Attachment and Trauma Specialists - Attachment Disorder

Attachment and Trauma Specialists

808 6th St. South
Kirkland, WA 98033
ph: (800) 550-2105

Attachment Disorder

The nature of attachment disorders

Interruption in the cycle of attachment during the first or second year of a child's life generally results in some degree of attachment disorder including lack of trust in his primary caregiver, his environment, and himself. This lack of trust interferes with developing reciprocal and responsive relationships in successful friendships, marriage, parenting, therapy, education, and employment.

By the time a child and his family come to us,the child is often chronically angry, depressed, anxious, scared and always on the lookout for something troubling. A child with this kind of psychological and emotional damage has usually developed ways of interacting with the world that do not build trust or accept nurturing from well-meaning adoptive or foster parents.

Child with Rad
B. was adopted at 3 after having been removed from his drug addicted mother. When he came into his adoptive family, he raged, avoided eye contact, affection, and only behaved when he wanted something. His adoptive family had been very loving and tried many different parenting techniques but to no avail. At 10 he was failing in school, had no friends and was self-destructive. Upon arriving at ATS, his parents were exhausted, worried and feeling hopeless. They had little support from community, friends and family.
"Our first meeting with ATS was an emotional one. For the first time since we adopted our son we felt that someone finally understood our turmoil. A huge weight was lifted off of us. We were given many tools to handle our son as well as our own frustration. Our son also found the language and safety to better understand himself and vocalize his feelings, rather than take his anger out on us. Although he has a long way to go towards healing, he finally can come to us and share his feelings. It is a huge accomplishment and sense of relief"
-B.'s mother

The official mental health

diagnosis for the majority

of the children and teens

we treat is Reactive

Attachment Disorder

(DSM IV 313.89).

Some patients may have

other diagnoses as well,

such as:

· Conduct disorder

· Oppositional Defiant

· Attention Deficit (ADHD)

· Mood disorders (Bipolar)

· Post Traumatic Stress

Assessment tools

In addition to the family

packet forms, reports from

other professionals, and

client and family interviews

we may use some or all of

the following tests:

· Parenting Stress Index

· Randolph Attachment

Disorder Questionnaire

· Child Dissociative

Checklist (CDC)

· Trauma Symptom

Checklist for Children

· Kinetic family drawing

· Child Behavior Checklist

We Have Moved!

**(Around the Block)**

808 6th St. South, Kirkland Wa 98033

(800) 550-2105

directly across from Google.

_______________________

cONGRATULATIONS REBECCA, PARENTMAP SUPERHERO OF THE YEAR!

ARTICLE IN APRIL ISSUE

http://www.parentmap.com/publications/parentmap/2011-superheroes-for-washington-families-rebecca-mallos

Membership

808 6th St. South
Kirkland, WA 98033
ph: (800) 550-2105