According to the 2010 Census data, there are presently over 2,072,000 adopted children in the United States. What a gift of life and love provided by adoptive families!!! Research has shown that many of those adopted children, however, continue to face challenges. Two percent are diagnosed with attachment disorder, nine percent are diagnosed with depression, twenty six percent are diagnosed with ADHD, and fifteen percent are diagnosed with a behavioral disorder. These statistics are quite high when compared to biological children. While some of the numbers can be attributed to parents being informed of adoptive children’s needs and thus become strong advocates for children and access professional assessments, it does demonstrate the importance of working with adoptive children to develop strong and healthy attachments.
If you are an adoptive parent, you have most likely spent countless hours researching and creating an incredibly supportive environment for your children. Dr. Bruce Perry writes, “The more you can learn about attachment problems, bonding, normal development and abnormal development, the more you will be able to develop useful behavioral and social interventions.” You have read books, asked questions of experts, talked with other adoptive families, read adoption blogs, etc. You have created safe, structured and loving homes which allow the child/ren to grow in strength and resilience.
One method of attachment based work often encouraged within adoptive families is Theraplay. This is a child and family therapy that focuses on building attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement between parent and child. The theory at the foundation of Theraplay is that in relationships there should be playful, healthy connection and interaction between parent and child that will ultimately lead to stronger attachment. This increases self-esteem within the child and the development of positive relationships with others outside the nuclear family.
Book recommendations:
Theraplay: Helping Parents and Children Build Better Relationships Through Attachment Based Play by Phyllis B. Booth and Ann M. Jernberg
I Love you Rituals by Becky Bailey
Resources:
Rhttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/childrenyouth/adoption-related-services.htme
http://adoptionsupport.org/index.php/about-us/
If you would like more information on Theraplay or other ways to better support your adopted child, please know Crossroads is here for you!
www.crossroadsfamilycounselingcenter.com
Written by Darah Curran,LCSW who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Virginia with 15 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. Darah has provided support for pediatric and adult individuals and families in outpatient and inpatient medical settings. Her areas of focus include adjustment and behavioral issues, social skills development, chronic illness, grief and trauma work. Darah believes in the strength of the family and encourages each member’s involvement in making positive change for the child or family system
