To become a psychologically healthy human being, a child must have a relationship with an adult that is protective, nurturing, and that fosters his or her development.

The lack or loss of this significant primary relationship can traumatize a child, resulting in an inability to bond or attach appropriately to others.  Serious attachment disorders sometimes occur when children and their families struggle with traumatizing events such as severe illnesses, accidents, disasters, or violence in their home or community.   Disturbed attachment behaviors may manifest themselves by such symptoms as avoidance of intimacy, dissociation, and hyperactivity, as well as intrusive, controlling, high-risk behaviors and an impaired ability to form new relationships.