PRESENTER

Sasha Lambert, Ph.D.

OBJECTIVES:

Describe the theoretical foundations and history of attachment theory, including the major attachment styles.

Identify the DSM-5-TR criteria, prevalence, and etiology of Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder.

Differentiate attachment disorders from disruptive behavior disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Discuss evidence-based treatment approaches for children and adolescents with attachment disruption.

AGENDA:

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  –  Registration

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Define attachment and its history, including the foundational theorists, early observational and institutional research, and the evolution of attachment research into modern neuroscience

Review of attachment styles (secure, anxious-avoidant, anxious-ambivalent/resistant, and disorganized), internal working models, and the critical distinction between insecure attachment and an attachment disorder

Examination of attachment disruption, including DSM-5-TR criteria for Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, prevalence rates, and etiology (e.g., neglect, institutional care, and repeated caregiver disruptions)

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Break

10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Differential diagnosis, distinguishing attachment disorders from oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and trauma-related disorders, including the problem of overdiagnosis

Discuss why it matters, including long-term outcomes such as functional impairment, vulnerability to abuse and revictimization, justice involvement, and implications for foster care, adoption, and custody decisions

Review of evidence-based treatment, including caregiver-focused and relationship-based interventions, and the controversial and harmful “attachment therapies” to avoid

Navigating difficult conversations in supervision, including addressing underperformance, ethical concerns, and remediation

12:45 p.m. – Adjournment

CE APPROVALS:

Psychologists – Professional Training Resources, Inc.  is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Licensed Professional Counselors – Professional Training Resources, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5829.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Social Workers – This program has been approved for 4 clinical continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

Substance Abuse Counselors  – approved by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority for 4 clock hours.

NASP – Professional Training Resources is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists.  Professional Training Resources maintains responsibility for the program.

Other Professions – may seek apply for education credits through their respective boards.  Everyone in attendance will receive a certificate of attendance for 4 clock hours.