Attatchment disorder

[Marne]

A little boy that comes to our house has attatchment disorder, he has had a tough time (his mum was very young when she had him and a few months ago she gave him up, he is niow being looked after by a relitive), he's a lovely little boy but can be very naughty, her switches himself off when you try and ask him to do something that he doesn't want to do and does not like cuddles.

Is there anything i can do to help him when he comes over? yesterday he almost got onto my lap but then turned away, he's happy to play with me as long as its on his terms and i don't get too close.

Hopefully someone will come along soon! I have read about AD because ASD and AD can look similar in young children and AD was suggested for ds. It sounds like he is a very young child. I know that adopters are advised to try and keep life as familiar as possible with a new child especially sensations in the preverbal- ie smells and sensations (so similar clothing/ bedding/ washpowder to previous care fo a young baby). I would say let him settle in and gently add play activities that build trust and touch as is tolerated and enjoyed ( such as peepo, or den building if old enough. As with ASD initially follow the childs lead and tune into their interest. Ds did not like being held but tolerated face out sitting infront of me on the floor.

Thanks magso, at first his school thought he had ASD but i couldn't see it (having 2 dd's with ASD myself and i could see nothing similar), he has absent episodes as does dd2 but its different, he seems to just blank out what he doesn't want to hear but can follow instructions when its to do with something he likes. He had fun hiding under my rug and loved dd1 looking for him. Wish i could do more to help him (have him over more) but its hard when i have dd2 to look after (when he's here she hides away).

Hi Marne I have had several kids with AD, have one now. Consistency and routine is key, as well as just being there available to play.

Have a look at the work of Dan Hughes it might help.