What’s in a name? The image above was taken six years ago. Sadly, I don’t look quite the same these days! I am photographed, here, with the second edition (published December 2016) of one of my books, which was first published back in 2009. The second edition involved considerable revision of the first edition, as the content of the first edition derived from my writings on the topic between 1999 and 2009. In the period from 2009 to 2016 my thoughts on the topic of the book developed in significant ways. Similarly, if I was to work on a third edition, I daresay there would be further important revisions.

One revision I would like to make, if I was able to do so, is to the title. I would substitute ‘disorder’ with ‘trauma’, as I think that this would better reflect the content of the book. While there is content about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) in the book, the formulations and reparative caregiving and treatment guidelines are relevant to children and young people who have experienced attachment trauma more broadly, including those children and young people whose grossly inadequate care is variously described as relational trauma, early trauma, developmental trauma, and/or complex trauma.

I would also like to make it clear in the title that there are guidelines for caregivers and professionals, including reparative caregiving strategies and a treatment approach.

Moreover, I would like to further avoid giving the impression that attachment trauma invariably leads to an attachment disorder diagnosis; though there are times when RAD and DSED are appropriate assessment formulations and guides for therapeutic supports (albeit, RAD and DESD are rare disorders).

So, with the passing of time the book, like my appearance, would look different; albeit that much of what is in the book remains relevant to readers interested in attachment trauma.

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