Abstract
Attachment relationships are the relationships that form between caregivers and infants, these critically important relationships become the building blocks for further social development. Disturbances in such relationships can have long term detrimental effects on children. Two attachment disorders have been identified in young children Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. Unfortunately, many children who do not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis of either of these disorders may still present with symptoms that will cause disturbances in their development. Thus it is important to view these disorders as existing on a spectrum in order to adequately provide care to children who need it. If left unaddressed these non-diagnostic warranting symptoms can continue to cause disturbances in development.
