Developmental Trauma Disorder

In 2009, professionals researching and treating Complex Trauma in children proposed a new diagnosis of Developmental Trauma Disorder be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual to capture the dysfunctions experienced by children and adolescents exposed to chronic traumatic stress. Some of these children did not meet the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the disorder […]

Questions to Consider When Selecting an Attachment or Trauma Therapist

Many professionals will say they are familiar with working with children with attachment disorders or trauma problems. The following are suggested topics to consider when deciding on which professionals to work with. *         What training has the therapist received? How many hours of supervised training in attachment therapy? What specific trauma training have they received?  […]

Are Traumatized Children Hopeless?

Mother holding son

–by Julie Beem I’ve been to a handful of post-adoption conferences this spring and summer. After working with ATN for over a decade, I have been excited by the number of workshops and speakers addressing early childhood trauma, and in some cases citing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study. I remember all too well the […]

Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc. | ATN

Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc. OUR MISSION Promote healing of children impacted by trauma by supporting their families, schools, and communities. The Attachment & Trauma Network, a 2016 Angel in Adoption® Recipient “Trauma-Informed “Trailblazer” has been the VOICE for traumatized children and their families since 1995. Through our mission of Support – Education – Advocacy, we seek […]

The 10 Most Common Myths about Attachment & Trauma

What is childhood Trauma

There is so much that society doesn’t understand about attachment and trauma. People don’t “get it” when it comes to how a child can be traumatized, how a child reacts to trauma, and how difficult it is to help a child heal from early childhood trauma. The importance of forming healthy attachments and what can impede attachment […]

Special Education/IEPs for Children with Attachment Trauma – FREE Webinar

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 @ 12:00 pm EDT The Attachment & Trauma Network is hosting this FREE webinar will explore the hows and whys of special education for children who have Attachment Trauma (attachment disorders, developmental trauma, etc.) Melissa Sadin, M.Ed., M.A.T. and Julie Beem, ATN’s Executive Director will explore the steps of getting your […]

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Little girl crying - Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Currently, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is the diagnosis associated with attachment impairment. There is little research available as to the prevalence of this disorder, but there are thousands of children who have been impacted by trauma and exhibit many of the symptoms that are part of the definition below. Some children are diagnosed with PTSD […]

What are Attachment Disorders?

Children who have had breaks from their primary caregiver, unmitigated pain, abuse, neglect or in other ways have not had their needs met can often be impaired in their ability to develop healthy emotional attachments. This is currently called by many names, such as insecure attachment.  These less-than-healthy ways of attaching are often not diagnosed as […]