The Orchid Hypothesis
There has been an explosion of research surrounding the concept of "orchid children". It is at the intersection of attachment theory and genetics and there is a helpful metaphor which can be used to picture the situation. In a field of dandelions, most of which have normal genetic make-up, most can survive a wide range of difficult conditions; they carry a protective gene that makes them trauma-resistant. There are two variations of this gene (called alleles) which greatly magnify the risk of perishing when the environment or the soil becomes too hostile for them. The exciting findings of the new research is that if the dandelions with these two alleles are given special treatment - nurtured and protected - one group will do about as well as the "normal" dandelions but the other will bloom and not only catch up to the rest of the field but surpass it. They will show resilience and development in excess of what their cousins demonstrate.
Apparently the same situation holds true for children. Some overly sensitive children who might exhibit a variety of stress-related disorders and who are prone to acting out will, with the nurturance of strong attachment develop and mature without showing long-term effects of trauma. Others, who start out with the same hypersensitivity, given the same attachment and the same special treatment from caring adults will show development and maturation which is greater than either the average group or the others in the hypersensitive group.
In the past, we thought of hypersensitivity as being a liability, as a condition which left the child too vulnerable to trauma. Now, it appears as though some of these hypersensitive children - the orchids -will not only be protected from trauma but will also thrive, be creative and curious, and will avoid the behavioural and emotional problems which beset their peers - the dandelions.
