Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Attachment disorders are emotional and behavioural difficulties that can develop when a child hasn’t formed a secure bond with a caregiver, often because of early neglect, inconsistent care or trauma. Children may become withdrawn and struggle with trust, which is common in Reactive Attachment Disorder, or they may overly friendly with strangers and show little sense of boundaries, which is typical of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. These issues can make it hard to build healthy relationships later in life. Treatment for attachment disorders can be really helpful and usually involves therapy, creating safe and stable environments, and support for caregivers to build stronger, more secure connections with the child.
These signs often show up early in life but can continue into later childhood or adolescence if not addressed.
Avoids or doesn’t seek comfort when upset
Withdrawn or emotionally flat – may not smile much or show interest in people
Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships
Overly friendly with strangers or lacking appropriate boundaries
Control-seeking or defiant behaviour, especially with caregivers
Poor impulse control or risky behaviour
Anger, irritability or tantrums that seem intense or out of proportion
Delayed social or emotional development
Around 80% of high-risk Australian families show severe attachment issues in children
About 1.1 million Australians live with a psychosocial disability, including attachment disorders
One in four Australian children live with a parent experiencing psychological distress, raising attachment risks
Treatment for attachment disorders in trauma-informed care improves outcomes for maltreated Australian kids
Recent research is shining a light on what actually works when it comes to treatment for attachment disorders, especially in kids who have experienced trauma, neglect, or instability early in life. A 2023 scoping review published in Children and Youth Services Review pulls together decades of knowledge, and the key takeaway is clear: effective care starts with relationships—not just rules.
The research found that traditional, behaviour-focused approaches often fall short. While structure is important, treating attachment disorders isn’t just about managing behaviours—it’s about addressing the root of the emotional disconnect. Kids with attachment difficulties need more than rewards and consequences; they need consistent, emotionally attuned caregiving from adults who really understand the “why” behind the behaviour.
The review strongly supports trauma-informed care that’s grounded in attachment theory. This means professionals and carers are trained to respond to emotional needs, not just surface behaviours. Instead of using restraint-based or punitive strategies, the most effective treatment for attachment disorders focuses on helping children feel safe, seen and supported. Approaches like Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and other attachment-focused models are showing strong promise in helping children form secure, healthy relationships.
Another big finding? The quality of care improves when everyone is involved—parents, foster carers, teachers, and professionals—gets support and education around attachment. The review highlighted that training carers to recognise and respond to attachment-related behaviours with empathy and consistency makes a real difference in a child’s healing process.
Finally, it’s not just about what happens in therapy. The research calls for a “whole-system” approach where organisations, services, and communities embed attachment-friendly practices into daily care routines. From schools to residential homes, building environments that promote trust and emotional safety can enhance the long-term success of treatment for attachment disorders.
*Source: Care practices and approaches with children experiencing attachment difficulties: A scoping review – ScienceDirect | Children and Youth Services Review
Kids feel safer when their world is predictable—stick to routines, follow through on promises, and be a steady presence.
Look beneath the behaviour—kids with attachment challenges often act out because they’re scared or overwhelmed, not because they’re “naughty.”
Caring for a child with attachment difficulties can be emotionally intense—make space for rest, support, and your own mental health.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children), Emotion Coaching, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to provide tailored support for children experiencing attachment difficulties.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
For our latest updates, subscribe below
