To add to my previous post about attachment and to provide parents and kids with just a little more information, attachment disorder is not just limited to those who are adopted. In my research I have noted that it is equally as common among intact families. The casues of attachment disorder can be any one or combination of the following: disrupted attachment due to infant illness and hospitalization, institutionalization ( particularly in the first 8 months, e.g. orphanages, foster care.) maternal extended postpartum depression, depression, violence and discord in the family, maternal( or primary caregiver) disorders including unresolved loss (e.g. loss of a spouse or relative, loss of fertility), anxious, ambivalent, avoidant or disorganized attachment in the primary caregiver, personality disorder or other psychopathology in the caregiver( attachment is intergenerational in nature). The most recent research links maternal stress during the perinatal development of the unborn child (e.g. mother is in abusive or otherwise stressful relationship; unwanted pregancy, etc.) to cognitive development and development of the cortex, most particulary in the area of executive function (ability to reason, language, etc.). Also, there are many current therapists who consider attachment disorder to stem from post traumatic stress in the separation of the infant from the natural mother. An infant enters the world with sensory system in tact and will immediately recognize its mother's smell. It has spent 9 months listening and being soothed to the mother's heart beat and respiration. (Verrier, "The Primal Wound"). Thanks to Evergreen in Colorado we hear about reactive attachment disorder the most. I don't agree with their "holding therapy" and many children are mis-diagnosed with RAD. It only occurs in instances of severe abuse and neglect, prolonged separation and multiple placements during the first 8 months of life. There are actually 7 sub-types of attachment disorder. However, therapy has not caught up with the extensive research done in this area. While I think it is a crime to exploit an individual's fear related to attachment in a group setting. This was never, ever my approach. Group therapy is considered to be the most helpful tool. Individual therapy is also helpful. Again, because insecure and secure attachments are intergenterational. Also, therapy as related to borderline personality disorder is helpful as this seems to be the most prevalent disorder associated with attachment, along with conduct disorder.
Hope this helps for those of you who are interested.