The problematic use of attachment theory in assessing parents with disabilities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24270/netla.2026/8Keywords:
disability, attachment, child protection, custody, visitation, psychologyAbstract
The authors of this contribution have collectively observed in their varied clinical, academic and research-based experiences a noticeable recent emphasis on the use of attachment theory in child protection cases in Iceland. The factor of parent-child bonding has always played some role in child protection cases. However, we have detected a shift whereby attachment has come to play a predominant role in the argumentation and justification for custody and visitation deprivation, as well as increased efforts to enhance the scientific legitimacy of measures of attachment. This is troubling for several reasons. The first contention is that while attachment theory has its supporters as well as utility in child protection work, there is also a wealth of counter-evidence that challenges the core premises of attachment theory, its instruments of measure, its use as a form of evidence in court and its appropriateness for parents and children with disabilities, particularly those who have a diagnosis of intellectual disability, ASD or other forms of neurodivergence. Researchers have argued that the concept of attachment is rather vague and unsatisfactory and has no broadly agreed or clearly defined meaning. Basic assumptions that underpin the theory, such as that infants have only one preferred person, have also been contested. Questions have been posed to attachment theory such as whether current attachment state predicts future conduct, which is particularly relevant for child protection matters. Diversity among parents and children in terms of, among other factors, class, ethnicity and neurodivergence regarding parenting techniques and issues relating to attachment need to be considered. Scholars have criticised attachment theory for being too Eurocentric in nature and claiming universality in all its components. Attachment theory evolved from notions of family life and relationship dynamics that were shaped by societies of the Global North in a specific historical context, together with specific forms of the family and practices that were seen as normative. The premises of attachment theory are therefore essentially based on the dominant childcare model of the Global Northern middle class. Failure to recognise these limitations may lead to incorrect applications with major detrimental implications. A parallel critique applies regarding disability and neurodivergence pertaining to both parents as well as children.
Clinicians tend to report significant overlap in symptoms between attachment issues and autism spectrum disorder. There are problematic assumptions that children with ASD do not form bonds with caregivers or do so in substandard ways, while empirical research has shown that children with autism do in fact ordinarily build attachments with their main caregivers, with a sizable proportion forming stable bonds. Standardised measures are often used to categorise attachment in adulthood and, as such, there are problematic issues with utilising measures intended for neurotypical populations to evaluate attachment in people with autism. The research evidence, that parents with disabilities (particularly those with intellectual disabilities and/or are neuroatypical) are routinely discriminated against in child welfare, family law and child protection systems is well known and well documented. The overreliance on such scientifically questionable measures should not form the basis for the justification for custody termination, particularly in cases arguably driven by prejudice and which could be resolved through the implementation of appropriate and meaningful support. Attachment approaches should not be exempt from close scrutiny, nor should credence be given to extremely casual applications, such as only briefly observing the parent and child to determine attachment or other qualities of the relationship. The theory and its application are not agreed upon by practitioners and researchers and there exist divisions within attachment theory research communities about what attachment behaviours are, how they can be assessed and what these behaviours mean. Courts need to be made aware that attachment theory and its application are controversial and not received science. The critical literature does not suggest that attachment theory has no role to play in child protection investigations or custody hearings. However, appropriate and measured cautions must be employed. The core purpose of this contribution is to present a collaborative, inter-disciplinary statement (clinical and academic psychology, disability studies and anthropology) to raise awareness of these issues for parents, their supporters and advocates, practitioners and scholars as well as to educate the general public. It will conclude with a brief overview of some recent exploratory findings to point to a way forward for further research.
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