Replacement Attachment Figure
James and Joyce Robertson became involved in what was witnessed in hospitals. They filmed and followed children whose mothers were going into hospital.
One child, John, was 18 months and he stayed in a residential nursery. He tried to get comfort from those working there but they had little time to give him. He became increasingly distressed and his father couldn’t comfort him. When his mother returned he rejected her.
Jane was a child of the same age, but Joyce Robertson fostered her while her mother was in hospital. Jane had items with her to remind her of home, mealtimes and routines were kept the same and her father was allowed to visit. Jane happily accepted her mother when reunited.
Thomas and Lucy also went into foster care during their separation. They settled better, were less distressed and accepted their mother when reunited.
Providing More Individual Care and Stimulation
Some studied in orphanages found that improvements could be made if someone was to provide support to the children or if there was more stimulation. Improvements were found in the IQ of children if there was a lower child : carer ratio.
Coping with Divorce and Separation
A young child is likely to go through the stages of protest, distress and despair unless steps are taken to ensure an attachment figure is there for them and that familiar situations are maintained as much as possible. Older children can understand more, so it is possible to discuss decisions with them and explain things to minimise anger and distress.
The Characteristics of Autism
Autism is now known as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because the symptoms aren’t the same for everyone and can range from mild to severe. Asperger’s Syndrome affects 6 in every 1000 people with a male : female ratio of 10:1. Autism affects 2 in 1000 people with a male : female ratio of 4:1.
Groups of characteristics lead to diagnosis. Those with ASD usually suffer problems in communication, social interaction and social imagination.
- Communication – some have speech difficulties, others may struggle to read body language or use informal language like jokes.
- Social interaction – people struggle to understand others’ emotions or express their own so they find interaction hard. They also cannot empathise with others.
- Social imagination – people often find it hard to imagine what is going to happen next in a situation so they find now or unpredictable situations frightening.
One main characteristic is that people struggle to form relationships. They are, however, good at systems. About 10% of those with autism have high ability in one area such as playing the piano, doing maths or drawing – these people are known as savants.
Diagnosis is often given between 2 and 3 years of age because the child isn’t using normal eye contact, isn’t anticipating the needs or interactions of others, problems in social interaction have occurred and repetitive behaviour has emerged.