Child Development
Clearly, the issues which lead to Type D attachment disruptions provide linkage to many crimes that are perpetrated against children. Type D kids do not feel safe in the world because the adults around them have not kept them safe. It is extremely difficult for children, especially young ones, to experience the failure of being protected by adults when something traumatic happens. They cannot recognize dangerous persons because of the disorganized way they have been raised by indifferent or abusive caregivers. In turn, they are more easily lured away by strangers and will lack the self-protective instinct needed to stay away from abusers and other bad influences. Studies have shown that the brains of children who have experienced chronic abuse and neglect remain “hyperaroused” or expectant of imminent danger. Hyperaroused children exhibit the following characteristics:
- Inability to control emotions, frequent outbursts
- Unusually quiet or submissive behavior
- Difficulty learning in school
- Interpersonal difficulties with siblings or classmates
- Unusual eating or sleeping behaviors
- Aggressive or sexually provocative behavior
- Socially or emotionally inappropriate behavior for their age
- Lack of response to affection
