Attachment, trauma and sensory needs

Children may not be engaging in their learning or may be exhibiting challenging behaviour as a result of attachment, trauma or sensory needs that they may have.

We have provided some information below on these needs and ideas of how to support the children and young people in your school or setting.

Attachment

Attachment is an emotional bond with another person. The central theme of attachment theory is that primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant's needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant learns that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world.

There are main patterns of attachment:

  • Ambivalent attachment: These children become very distressed when a parent leaves.
  • Avoidant attachment: Children with an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers, showing no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger.
  • Disorganised attachment: These children display a confusing mix of behaviour, seeming disoriented, dazed, or confused. They may avoid or resist the parent.
  • Secure attachment: Children who can depend on their caregivers show distress when separated and joy when reunited. Although the child may be upset, they feel assured that the caregiver will return.

The Sprouts Schools video on YouTube a good video which explains attachment theory

Supporting children who may have an attachment disorder

Our Specialist Teaching Service's good engagement methods include resources on identifying and engaging children with attachment difficulties.

The Beacon House document Attachment Strategies In The Classroom: What Can You See? What Does It Mean (PDF 153 KB) has some fantastic strategies for the different types of attachment disorder's signs.

The Beacon House website has many other fantastic free resources too.

This non-profit organisation has lots of useful information including signs and symptoms of attachment disorders and support which can be provided.

Trauma

Trauma happens when children experience an event or situation which leaves them fearing death or physical/psychological harm. Trauma can also happen by witnessing these things happening to another person. Babies and young children are very vulnerable to trauma as they can't protect themselves or understand what is happening.

In vulnerable groups such as Looked After Children and young people, individuals are more likely to be exposed to deprivation, family breakdown, family mental illness and substance abuse by caregivers. The general consensus is that it should be assumed that all Looked After Children and young people have experienced trauma in some way.

The Anna Freud Centre video on YouTube is a good video about how trauma can affect the brain. 

Supporting children who have experienced trauma

The Beacon House website has many fantastic free resources to help you support children who have experienced trauma. These are a few we recommend looking at:

Some other resources are:

Sensory processing

This Sensory Education Session recording may be useful to help you or parents and carers understand more about children's sensory needs and how to meet them.

Our Specialist Teaching Service's good engagement methods include resources on engaging children with sensory needs.

Attachment and trauma informed toolkit

We have a range of resources available to support you on your trauma informed journey on the Trauma Informed Lancashire website.

Be sure to check back as our resources library grows and contact us if there are resources you would like to see included.

Watch the toolkit launch webinar for an overview of the resources: