Attachment Disorder is Real

Attachment Disorder results when a child fails to establish an emotional bond with parents or primary caregivers early in life. It is most common in adoped or fostered children. But a disruption in the bonding process can occur in many ways, from abuse and neglect to a lengthy stay in the hospital at a critical time of development.

Adoptees or fostered children are not the only individuals that can suffer from attachment issures. Adults who did not get their emotional and physical needs met in the first few years as well as families who have biological children who, for whatever reason, did not have a strong connection with their primary caregiver. Some causes of attachment problems are very subtle and often go unrecognized.

It is important for all of us to become educated regarding the potential and unique problems these children and their families face. Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA) has been here in Alaska since 1997. AABA educates families and the community about Attachment Disorder through workshops, free lending library, telephone and email support, bi-monthly newsletters, resource and referral information, web-site www.akattachment.org and a Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. There is help in Alaska for the many families seeking information and education about emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. No, I Won't and You Can't Make Me, is the upcoming workshop, May 18th at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn. Nancy Thomas, who has educated more that 50,000 people about Attachment Disorder, will be the instructor.