The behaviours associated with the attachment disorders (ADs) appear to overlap substantially with those linked to the autism spectrum (AS). Given the similarities between the two conditions this article urges caution when drawing conclusions concerning the likely aetiology of presenting difficulties in any particular case. Attention is drawn to recent research findings which may prove helpful in alerting psychologists to the presence of additional autistic-like vulnerabilities in children known to have experienced significant attachment-related trauma. The potential implications for practice are discussed.