"Attachment Disorders and Television"

When I was studying for my doctorate in psychology, I spent an entire quarter learning about attachment disorders. To put it simply, this is something that occurs when children fail to bond with a caregiver in the early years of life. The effects can be devastating. It is something that is totally preventable! Children need love!

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) has symptoms similar to those of Autism. While recently doing research for a chapter in one of my books on Autism, I learned of a study of children who had been diagnosed with Autism who really had RAD. They found that when they interviewed the parents that eighty percent of these children were exposed to intensive television viewing for approximately seven hours every day, and many of these children were left alone for as much as five hours a day. Fortunately, these researchers found the true cause of their symptoms and they did something about it. The treatment for these children was teaching their parents new behaviors to use with their children over a three-month period. As they bonded with their children, the children markedly improved.

I am definitely not saying that children with Autism in reality have RAD. If it could be that simple, it would be so much more treatable. I only hope that the day comes when they do find the cause of Autism and then the cure! However, what I am saying is that there are other disorders, and RAD is one of them, that can be caused by neglect and too much television!
Television has become a family member in most homes today. Children sit in front of it transfixed beginning when they are very young infants. It holds their attention. It moves. As they get older, they are so accustomed to it and the noise it makes, that they need it more and more. It can become an addiction that takes them away from other activities that would promote their growth and development. It is not a substitute for hugs, for love, or for two-way communication. All this made me think about how important each of you are in the lives of the children in your care. You are real! You are so much more than a character on television. You are often the ones that children bond with. You are a difference maker.

Have a wonderful day.
Maryln

P.S. This is the reference for the study that I read. Mukaddes, N.M., Bilge, S., Alyanak, B., Kora, M.E. (2000). Clinical characteristics and treatment responses in cases diagnosed as Reactive Attachment Disorder. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 30(4), 273-287.