Hi I could really do with some help or advice. My 10 year old step daughter has finally been diagnosed with attachment disorder,as a family we have been through nearly six years of hell,thinking that my step daughters extreme behaviour was a reaction to her mothers abandonment when she was a toddler,i am just beginning to try and understand this label she has been given,It is widely used and understood in the states but fairly new over here,are there any other step parents out there that have heard of attachment disorder or that are trying to hold their family together whilst dealing with the self hating and venomous children that are victims of there parents mistakes.
Hi, Your message reminded me of my friend whose 9 year old son has just been diagnosed with attachment disorder. She too has been and is going through hell with him. I don't know whether i'm allowed to post links on here but i've had a look and there's various support groups, for parents who are struggling with this, online. Hope this helps. :O)
I too am a step parent, and although my step son does not have attachment disorder, i do have quite a broad knowledge of it- as i am 2 years into my training to be a social worker. yours is actually quite a common problem, although you dont hear too much about it.
The disorder itself, stems from feelings of neglect, and as u said yourself, abandonment from the mother. i am aware of how difficult this is to cope with, but remember that although the venom and self hatred may be directed at you, deep down it isnt- the child is just venting feelings they have for their mother. The best thing you can do to help the child through this, is to be consistant and supportive, if you say you are going to do something, then do it, if you make plans with the child, then fulfill them. Even the slightest feelings of being let down by you or your partner will creat a negative emotional response, and all the hard work you have done will be lost. If you have any specific questions, then please feel free to ask
