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Trauma and stress

Disinhibited social engagement disorder

Children with a history of neglect who relate to unfamiliar adults with excessive familiarity, without the caution expected.

Common signs

Goes off with strangers without hesitatingExcessive physical or verbal familiarityDoesn't check back with their caregiver

Tips

For you

  1. A stable bond with caregivers
  2. Teach safety rules clearly
  3. Specialist intervention

For family and friends

  1. Teach them clear, concrete safety rules
  2. Be a stable, predictable figure

When to ask for help

  1. Ask for a specialist assessment
  2. If safety is at risk, always supervise

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Approaches strangers without hesitating
2. Is very affectionate with people they don't know
3. Would go off with a stranger without looking at their caregiver
4. Doesn't respect physical distance with adults
5. Has experienced neglect or changes of caregiver
6. Doesn't look back at the adult caring for them in new places
7. Asks strangers very personal questions
8. This behaviour continues even when corrected
Also take the full attachment style test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Reactive attachment disorderTrauma and stressPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Trauma and stressAcute stress disorderTrauma and stressAdjustment disorderTrauma and stress

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.