Professional caretakers as attachment figures in day care centers for children with intellectual disability and behavior problems

Do children with intellectual disabilities (ID) show attachment behavior towards their professional caretaker? Five children, varying in chronological age, developmental age and DSM-diagnosis, were observed in a day care setting. Their attachment behavior was described by means of the Attachment Q-sort. Attachment behavior varied within and between children, irrespective of their diagnosis. This data indicates that professional caretakers are potential attachment figures for children with ID. Attachment introduces certain considerations for day care for children with ID, as well as opportunities for prevention and intervention. Implications for research and practice are discussed.