During the first three years of a child's life, he bonds to his caregiver because he/she meets physical and emotional
needs. But when that cycle is broken...when the parent puts the child beneath other individuals or activities in priority,
not only does the bond not form, but the child may lose the ability to attach to another person.
Because most of our conscience and impulse control are built on this attachment ( the desire to please, or not to hurt
another) children who can not attach lie, steal and show other disturbing behaviors.
The treatment of attachment disorder takes years and may not be totally successful. It usually involves helping the child
"go back" to earlier periods in his life and meeting the perceived needs in some way.