Sarah Ackley was 6 years old when her mother and step-father brought her to the Children's Center for an evaluation. Her mother, Dianna Hamilton, described her daughter's childhood as filled with frequent changes in primary caregivers. When Sarah was 2 years old her parents divorced. Mrs. Hamilton stated, "I was in the Army at the time serving in Afghanistan so her father was granted custody. Looking back, I don't think it was a good idea. Seems he had a steady stream of girlfriends coming and going but being stationed so far away I never really got the full story. Anyway, somebody put in an anonymous complaint to child protective services and Sarah was removed from his care. She was subsequently placed with my parents. They were in their late sixties at the time so I'm not really sure they were ready to be parents again but I do know they were concerned about Sarah." According to the family physician, Sarah's physical development was seen as normal. However, socially she appeared immature and inappropriate. Her interactions were described as "dominated by indiscriminate sociability." Mrs. Hamilton explained Sarah's behavior as follows, "I don't know how many times I have been so embarrassed by that child. I mean Sarah will talk to anybody. If we are in the supermarket and she sees a woman wearing a bracelet that she likes, Sarah will go right over and ask if she could have it. I thought this was a phase she was going though and that she would outgrow it but that's not happening." What is the most likely diagnosis for Sarah Ackley?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sarah's behavior of "indiscriminate sociability" is a hallmark symptom of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. This disorder is commonly associated with children who have experienced frequent changes in primary caregivers and disrupted attachments. The fact that Sarah has had multiple caregivers, including her father, mother, and grandparents, supports this diagnosis.

Sarah Ackley Was 6 Years Old When Her Mother and Step-Father