Main menu
Quick links
Learn the rules of our service
Your personal information stays safe
Get assistance and quick answers
Attachment disorders affect how children form emotional bonds with parents or caregivers.
They usually develop when a child’s early emotional needs for comfort, affection and safety are not met consistently.
Children with attachment difficulties may struggle to trust others, regulate emotions, or build healthy relationships.
Attachment difficulties can appear in many ways. A child may:
Check signs of attachment difficulties
Learn how to recognise early emotional and social signs in children and young people.
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Children rarely seek comfort when distressed and may appear withdrawn or detached.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)
Children may show excessive friendliness or trust toward strangers and struggle with boundaries.
Insecure or Disorganised Attachment
Broader emotional or behavioural patterns where trust, safety and consistency are uncertain.
Explore different types of attachment disorders
Understand how attachment patterns form and affect behaviour.
Attachment difficulties are often linked to:
Early intervention and stable, nurturing relationships can help repair attachment.
A professional assessment may involve:
Assessments are usually carried out by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists or social workers.
Schools can help by:
Where needed, a child may receive SEN support or an EHCP.
Support options include:
Helpful resources:
