An Attachment Assessment is a specialized evaluation process used to examine the quality and nature of a child's attachment relationship with their primary caregiver(s) in order to better understand their emotional and social development.

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An Attachment Assessment is an assessment that evaluates the quality of the caregiver and child relationship. Many individuals mistakenly refer to this as a Bonding Assessment. However, "bonding" and "attachment" are two different phenomena. "Bonding" is all about the caregiver. It is the positive feelings a caregiver has about the child. Repeated bonding cycles create trust within the child. It is because of these cycles the child experiences the world as safe, that their needs will be met (this in turn assists in impulse control), and they can influence the world around them. "Bonding" is essential in the formation of a secure attachment.  "Attachment" is the emotional connection and relationship between the caregiver and the child. Attachment is a biologically based system that is seen in all mammals. It is established in the first few years of life and begins with the individualization of the child (usually around 6 to 9 months of age). For these reasons, I provide Attachment Assessments as opposed to Bonding Assessments.

 

Attachment

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Attachment is the foundation for a healthy personality in a child. It also is essential for a child to achieve full intellectual functioning; to think logically; assists in moral development; to effectively manage feelings of stress, frustration, fear, anxiety, and perceived threats; developing self-reliance, and developing healthy relationships.

 

Many things can cause or contribute to a child developing attachment issues: no one responds or offers comfort when the child cries, the child is abused or neglected, the child is hospitalized or separated from his or her parents or a prolonged period of time. Additionally, caregivers who are emotionally unavailable due to illness, mental heath problems, or substance abuse can also contribute to attachment issues.

 

Attachment issues can cause a variety of impairments in children. Some of these impairments may include:

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•Sensory integration dysfunction

•Social difficulties

•Increase in mood disorders

•Difficulty regulating impulses

•Aggressive behavior

•Executive function difficulties (e.g., planning, judgment, self-monitoring, etc.)

•Self-destructive behavior

•Problems with "cause and effect" thinking

•Developmental delays

•Language delays (e.g., receptive language lagging behind expressive language)

•Learning delays

 

Fees

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An Attachment Assessment is a special type of assessment that evaluates the nature and quality of the caregiver's/child's attachment. It also looks at the strengths and challenges of the caregiver. In addition, the Attachment Assessment evaluates as to how well the child uses the caregiver as a secure base or safe haven. A developmental assessment is also included in my Attachment Assessment.

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Insurance does not cover the cost of an Attachment Assessment. Depending upon the type of assessment requested, the cost of an Attachment Assessment is from $500 to $1200. The assessment process can take from 1 to 5 hours to complete. There are various types of Attachment Assessments that I offer. Each type of assessment will answer the basic question of, "Is this child and caregiver attached?" However, guardians/foster parents/parents may want additional information regarding their child. Below is a listing and pricing of the various types of Attachment Assessments available:

 

•Basic Attachment Assessment ($500/$250 per additional child): includes a clinical interview, observation, testing, and a developmental assessment.

•Attachment Assessment with Sensory and Language Development Screening ($750/$350 per additional child): includes a clinical interview, observation, testing, a developmental assessment, screening for sensory issues, and a screening for language issues.

•Comprehensive Attachment Assessment ($1200/$500 per additional child): includes a clinical interview, observation, testing, a developmental assessment, screening for sensory issues, a screening for language issues, and an assessment of memory and executive functioning.

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Court Involvement

 

I do Attachment Assessments for families involved with Department of Children and Families (DCFS) and Family Court (as well as families who are looking for recommendations and treatment planning).  DCFS, or agencies contracted with DCFS, are responsible for the administration of child welfare services. 

 

To ensure the safety and well-being of a child(ren), DCFS screens and provides training to individuals in order for them to become foster and adoptive parent(s). As part of this process, DCFS ensures that prospective foster or adoptive parent(s) are in good health, both physically and mentally. It takes a physically and mentally healthy caregiver to be able to bond with a child and develop a secure attachment. So, when I provide an Attachment Assessment, I go by the understanding (based upon DCFS selection process) that the foster/adoptive parent(s) is physically and mentally healthy; and, consequently, able to to provide the foundation for a secure attachment.