Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)
An intervention that helps caregivers provide nurturing care and engage in synchronous interactions with their children.
Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)
Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is an evidence-based intervention designed to help caregivers provide nurturing, responsive care to young children who have experienced early adversity. Developed by Dr. Mary Dozier and her team at the University of Delaware, ABC focuses on enhancing the caregiver-child relationship to promote secure attachment and healthy development.
ABC is typically delivered in 10 sessions in the family's home, where a trained coach works directly with caregivers and their children. The intervention is particularly effective for children who have experienced neglect, maltreatment, or multiple changes in caregivers, such as those in foster care.
Through in-the-moment feedback and video coaching, caregivers learn to recognize and respond to their child's signals, provide nurturing care even when children push them away, and reduce frightening or intrusive behaviors that may be distressing to children with histories of trauma.
Core Components of ABC
Following the Child's Lead
Caregivers learn to be attentive to their child's signals and respond in ways that follow the child's interests and needs. This helps children develop a sense of efficacy and engagement.
Nurturing Care
ABC emphasizes the importance of providing nurturing, responsive care even when children behave in ways that push caregivers away. This helps children who have learned not to expect comfort to begin to trust and rely on their caregivers.
Reducing Frightening Behaviors
Caregivers learn to identify and reduce behaviors that might be scary or overwhelming to children who have experienced trauma. This helps create a sense of safety and security.
In-the-Moment Feedback
A key aspect of ABC is the provision of immediate feedback to caregivers during their interactions with their children. This helps caregivers recognize and build on their strengths and address challenges in real-time.
Benefits of ABC
- Promotes secure attachment between children and caregivers
- Improves children's ability to regulate emotions and behavior
- Enhances caregivers' sensitivity and responsiveness
- Supports healthy brain development in young children
- Reduces effects of early adversity and toxic stress
- Builds caregivers' confidence and enjoyment in parenting
Who Can Benefit from ABC?
ABC is particularly beneficial for:
- Infants and young children (typically 6-24 months) who have experienced early adversity
- Children in foster care or who have experienced multiple caregiver changes
- Children who have experienced neglect or maltreatment
- Families who have adopted children with histories of early adversity
- Biological families who are working to strengthen their parenting skills
Research has shown that ABC can help children develop more secure attachments, improve their ability to regulate emotions and behavior, and support healthy brain development even after experiencing significant early adversity.
Explore Other Early Childhood Approaches
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
An evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
An intervention for children aged 0-5 who have experienced traumatic events
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Build a Secure Foundation for Your Child
ABC can help you develop the skills to provide nurturing, responsive care that supports your child's healthy development and emotional well-being.