[ElectricGypsy]

Was just curious on what the opinions are that some of you have on Holding Therapy for attachment issues? We were fortunate to where Keira does not SEEM to have any issues with attachment, although I have hear that some attachment problems are not so easy to detect right away. Just wanted to know if any of you have had experience with it and what your opinions are? Pro or Con?

[thundrrds]

We've done it and found it helpful. It can depend on the situation....

Joanne

[jasonsmom]

I don't have personal experience with it but I've read a lot about it since it is occasionally still considered a viable treatment for children with Autism (I've worked with kids on the spectrum for 9 years and read about whatever therapies I can so I can keep up with what's going on) and I've seen videos of "therapy" sessions. My opinion? I would never do it. I don't believe that a child should be forcibly restrained unless someone's safety is at stake. The fact that several children have died during sessions would be enough to scare me but I also think it could cause regression in any bonding or trust building. The child may give in because their will is broken but it doesn't mean that they trust the caregiver; simply that they want the ability to move again. I would very, very strongly recommend doing professional research before using such a controversial therapy. I mean no offense to those who have used it; this is simply my opinion - this is a therapy that scares me very much.

Paula

[monami7]

Originally Posted by jasonsmom

I don't have personal experience with it but I've read a lot about it since it is occasionally still considered a viable treatment for children with Autism (I've worked with kids on the spectrum for 9 years and read about whatever therapies I can so I can keep up with what's going on) and I've seen videos of "therapy" sessions. My opinion? I would never do it. I don't believe that a child should be forcibly restrained unless someone's safety is at stake. The fact that several children have died during sessions would be enough to scare me but I also think it could cause regression in any bonding or trust building. The child may give in because their will is broken but it doesn't mean that they trust the caregiver; simply that they want the ability to move again. I would very, very strongly recommend doing professional research before using such a controversial therapy. I mean no offense to those who have used it; this is simply my opinion - this is a therapy that scares me very much.

Paula

I agree. we have been to a few adoption classes that people talk about their experience and it seems this is the one that never works. It seems to cause more problems.

[lbudder]

We've used Holding time, and found it to be extremely helpful. Look at websites like: www.attach-China.org and A4everFamily.org - HOME

When we first came back with DD, we didn't think we'd needed it, but when she started raging, we tried it, and she became much for sensitive to us. It's definitely not sometime we use everyday.

At night now, she occasionally asks me to give her "holding time", and I hold her close and she just holds me close for an extended time. IT's a wonderful time of eye to eye contact that I cherish everytime she asks for time together.

Definitely read as much as you can about this before holding as you can get the wrong ideas and the wrong actions, causing more harm then help.

For us, we were so grateful for the tender times after the holdings.

Lbudder
DD#1: home since Feb 2006
DD/S#1: LID April 23, 2007