Socioemotional profiles of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and disinhibited and reactive attachment disorders: a symptom comparison and network approach

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disinhibited and reactive attachment disorders (RAD/DAD) often experience socioemotional problems. Elucidating a clear picture of these profiles is essential. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQs) were analysed from cohort of children with ASD (n = 1430), ADHD (n = 1193), and RAD/DAD (n = 39). Kruskal–Wallis Tests and network analytic techniques were used to investigate symptom profiles. Children with ASD experienced more emotional problems, peer problems and fewer prosocial behaviours. Children with ADHD and RAD/DAD had higher levels of hyperactivity and conduct problems. Overall, ASD and ADHD networks were highly correlated (rs = 0.82), and we did not observe a statistically significant difference in terms of global Strength.

Development and Validation of a Measure of Attachment Disorders Based on DSM-5 Criteria: The Early TRAuma-Related Disorders Questionnaire (ETRADQ)

Background: A review of the scientific literature showed few valid tools for assessing reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), two diagnostic entities traditionally grouped under “attachment disorders.” The Early TRAuma-related Disorders Questionnaire (ETRADQ), a caregiver report, was developed to assess attachment disorders in school-age children based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth edition criteria. This study sought to validate this instrument. Method: Caregivers of school-age children from the community ( n = 578) and caregivers of at-risk children adopted or in out-of-home care ( n = 245) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the ETRADQ, the Relationship Problem Questionnaire, the RADA ( RAD and DSED Assessment) interview, and the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale for Children and Adolescents. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the ETRADQ items supported the expected organization of the measure, that is, two second-order factors and five subfactors: (1) RAD scale (three subscales: Low selective attachment, Low social and emotional responsiveness, Emotional unpredictability) and (2) DSED scale (two subscales: Interactions with unfamiliar adults, Social disinhibition). All scales showed excellent internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and known-group validity. Conclusions: Results support the reliability and validity of the ETRADQ.

Attachment quality in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury

Foreign studies reveal a connection between attachment disorders and the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents. Domestic studies, for all the relevance and importance of this topic, are few. It remains unclear which attachment disorders have the greatest impact on the emergence of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior: there are studies that have shown that the occurrence of NSSI is influenced by an attachment disorder to both parents, but there are studies that have revealed that attachment disorders to the father play a more significant role. It also discusses whether attachment to parents or peers has the greatest impact on the occurrence of NSSI and mental well-being in adolescence. The degree of influence of attachment to parents and peers is debated. Described are the targets and methods of psychological treatmentof adolescents with NSSI and their families.

Attachment disorder in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

PurposeAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an exclusion criterion for one of the two attachment disorders in the DSM 5. However, previous findings indicate that ASD and attachment disorder are unrelated conditions and may co-occur. The purpose of this paper is to explore the diagnostic assessment of an adolescent male with ASD, intellectual disability (ID), severe challenging behaviour and a suspected attachment disorder.Design/methodology/approachCase study methodology was chosen because of its suitability in the exploration of complex clinical phenomena where prior knowledge is sparse.FindingsIt was possible to identify symptoms of attachment disorder in a case involving ASD, ID, anxiety and severe challenging behaviour. The Disturbances of Attachment Interview was particularly useful in this assessment, as was assessment of ASD symptoms and developmental history. Differentiating the two attachment disorders proved challenging.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for further research in ASD and attachment disorders not limited by current diagnostic categories.Practical implicationsCo-occurring symptoms of attachment disorder may be identified in individuals with ASD and ID, and exploration of these symptoms in assessments of children and adolescents with ASD/ID and challenging behaviour may be beneficial.Originality/valueThe study adds to previous findings on attachment disorder in ASD, demonstrating that identification of attachment disorder is possible even in the presence of a highly complex clinical picture involving severe challenging behaviour. It may also assist other clinicians in identifying and making more accurate assessment of attachment disorder in ASD and ID.