Concerns about a child's connection with caregivers can have different explanations. A qualified professional needs a careful assessment rather than a worksheet label. Use this page to describe observations, share what helps the child feel comfortable, and ask how a proposed care plan protects their safety and dignity.
How to use this page
Use specific observations, avoid testing attachment, and bring questions to a qualified child mental-health professional.
Describe without proving a label
Record a recent interaction and the child's response without assigning motives. Include comfort preferences, communication needs, changes in caregiving, and supports that helped. Adoption, foster care, or reluctance to hug does not by itself establish an attachment disorder.
Ask about the care approach
Ask how the clinician will assess alternative explanations and involve caregivers appropriately. A care plan should not require forced holding, forced affection, deprivation, or rebirthing. Ask what choices the child has and how distress or unwanted effects will be addressed.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What specific interaction or concern do I want the clinician to understand?
- What helps the child feel comfortable, and what do they resist or avoid?
- What assessment and alternative explanations should we discuss?
- How will the proposed support protect safety, choice, and caregiver follow-through?