From the following article it would seem that removing an established trusted
caretaker from a child's life is much more damaging then any possible disruption
caused by the child moving from home to home during custody swaps... Comments?

What is Attachment Disorder? An Introduction
THE ATTACHMENT CYCLES
Reactive Attachment Disorder is a very real illness. Children with Reactive
Attachment Disorder are reacting to events in their early life that may include
neglect, abuse, or something more subtle (see causes below). Due to these
events, many children are unable to attach to a primary caregiver and go through
the normal development that children must go through in order to function in
relationships. My explanation is somewhat simplified but may be helpful to you.
It does not replace a diagnosis from a qualified therapist.
In the first two years of life, children go through healthy attachment cycles
- the first year and second year attachment cycles. A healthy first year
attachment cycle looks like this:
Baby has a need >>>>>>Baby cries>>>>>>>Needs met by caregiver>>>>>>Trust
develops
As the baby has a need and signals that need by crying, the mother (primary
caregiver) comes and soothes her baby and meets his needs. If this cycle is
repeated over and over again and the baby's needs are consistently met in the
proper way by the same caregiver, the baby often learns to trust. He will then
be able to continue on in his development. Now, take a look at the disturbed
attachment cycle: Baby has a need >>>>Baby cries>>>Needs NOT met by
caregiver>>>>Trust Does NOT Develop
As you compare the Healthy Attachment Cycle to the Disturbed Attachment Cycle,
you can see how the baby has a need, cries, but this time, the need is not met
by his mother (primary caregiver). Sometimes, the need is met but it is
inconsistent, or there are different caregivers who are not attuned to this
particular baby. Sometimes the baby's cries go unanswered as in the case of
neglect or the baby's cries are met with a slap as in the case of physical
abuse. Whatever the cause, the baby's needs are not met in a consistent,
appropriate way.
Instead of learning to trust as the baby who experiences the Healthy
Attachment Cycle, this baby learns that the world is an unsafe place, that he
must take care of himself, that he can trust no one to meet his needs. He learns
that he cannot depend on adults. Instead of trust developing, rage develops and
is internalized. He learns that he must be in charge of his life for his very
survival. Is it any wonder that a child with reactive attachment disorder feels
the need to be in control? He thinks his very life depends on it.
If the child has been able to successfully go through the Healthy Attachment
Cycle during his first year of life, then he most likely will be able to go
through the next which is the Second Year Secure Attachment Cycle: Child wants
>>>>>>Caregiver Sets Limit “NO”>>>>>>>Child will accept limit, test it or defy
the limit>>>>>>Caregiver responds appropriately

It is only by going through this Second Year Secure Attachment Cycle that the
child will ever be able to learn to accept limits on his behavior. It is by
going through these two attachment cycles - the Healthy Attachment Cycle in the
first year and then the Second Year Secure Attachment Cycle - that the child
learns to trust, engage in reciprocity, to regulate his emotions. It is back
there that he starts to develop a conscience, self- esteem, empathy, the
foundations for logical thinking are laid down, etc. The breakdown of these two
attachment cycles will damage all of the relationships he has for the rest of
his life unless interventions are made.
When the first cycle breaks down, the child cannot do the second year. To
expect the child to function as a typical child when his normal development was
completely stunted back in infant/toddlerhood is not rational. We must seek help
from mental health professionals who understand attachment problems and can help
us help our children to attach.
* Some information based on Attachment, Trauma, and Healing by Terry Levy and
Michael Orlans.

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