A renowned psychiatrist reveals how trauma affects children-and outlines the path to recovery
"Fascinating and upbeat....Dr. Perry is both a world-class creative scientist and a compassionate therapist." (Mary Pipher, PhD)
How does trauma affect a child's mind--and how can that mind recover? In the classic The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, Dr. Perry explains what happens to the brains of children exposed to extreme stress and shares their lessons of courage, humanity, and hope. Only when we understand the science of the mind and the power of love and nurturing, can we hope to heal the spirit of even the most wounded child.
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"Great book with broad appeal for parents, teachers, counselors and those with loved ones who have faced childhood trauma. The only weakness, I thought, was a lack of solid steps parents, counselors, and others could take to help those who have suffered. There were recommendations, but I found these to be vague. Nevertheless this book was certainly engaging and worthwhile. I particularly enjoyed how this book reenforced what I learned in lifespan development, and the biological understanding I gained regarding the workings of the developing brain."
— Chloe (5 out of 5 stars)
" this book is not for the faint of heart. it is a tuff read but if you are truly desiring to help those who have been traumatized so much you are amazed they are still moving forward, then this is a needed read. well written and read also "
— Bentley, 4/2/2019" I'm currently training to be an advocate for foster children, and found that this book offers excellent insight into the effects of neglect, abuse, and disordered living on the psyches of developing children. Very helpful. "
— Jessica, 2/18/2014" Dr. Bruce Perry and his patients have much to teach us all about compassion & healing. "
— Amy, 2/12/2014" Informative and inspirational. A must read for anyone interested in child development, the care of children and families, and the well- being of society. "
— Susana, 2/8/2014" interesting, but Dr's personality intruded too much "
— Michelle, 2/5/2014" This book was not quite what I was expecting, although I liked it. It was pretty in depth with how the brain works and the different structures and development, however having some background there made it interesting to read. "
— Kelsie, 1/15/2014" A must read for adoptive parents or anyone who works with neglected children. "
— Lisa, 1/15/2014" Thought provoking and readable stories, interpreted in a way that feels both profound and common sense, culminating in a clear manifesto for radical change to how we treat children; and how we will change society. "Relationships are the agents of change; and the most powerful therapy is human love" "
— Andrew, 1/10/2014" Wow, so many things I never knew about development. VERY interesting read. Thanks for the recommendation Tricia! "
— Lizdideon, 12/22/2013" How important good enough parenting and early life experiences are, and the healing power of understanding and love. "
— Jodyanna, 11/25/2013" Great book on the effects of trauma on children. "
— Ana, 8/13/2013" A whole new prospective on child development. "
— Luis, 7/12/2013" This was an okay book - I usually really like books like this one, but it was too disjointed, and I don't think he tied it all together very well - It seems the stories he picked to include were more for their shock value than anything else. "
— Amy, 7/6/2013" An absolute must-read for anyone who works with children. "
— Ellen, 5/31/2013" After years of treating children with trauma histories, things are finally starting to sink in. Recommended for anyone who cares for these kids, or needs a push to a different perspective in life "
— Hallie, 4/26/2013" Anecdotal evidence for the very basic conclusions that love is important and trauma is traumatizing to children. Pretty interesting, but I've already forgotten most of the stuff about the brain and only remember the stories. "
— Fay, 3/14/2013" An insight into why children who have been abused, neglected and traumatized behave as they do. A 'must read' for foster parents and carers to read. "
— Jenny, 2/24/2013" All educators need to read this book. Others need to read it too, but I am an educator and can only speak for that group on this topic. Well written, important! "
— Jan, 6/26/2012" Fantastic book! In order to talk about what is unhealthy, he first had to explain what is healthy. I learned so much about the environment that my future child needs to grow up happy and healthy, plus learned a lot of compassion for children who have been through trauma. "
— Bonnie, 2/10/2012" I LOVED this book. It is tailored to my profession but it was an amazing perspective regarding children who experience trauma and how it alters their functioning and how to help children heal from trauma. Really think everyone should read THIS BOOK! "
— Anya, 11/26/2011" really good for understanding the neurobiology of trauma, especially in relation to children. interesting perspectives on historical events/cultural phenomenons. made me think more deeply about neglect and it's effects. "
— Lee, 11/2/2011" This is a good book for those who work with children. It's given me some insights into some of my students and I hope to more compassionate to the naughtiest of them. "
— Rose, 11/1/2011" This is a very interesting book that is engaging and clearly explains why traumatized children need specialized treatment. I think many parents could benefit from reading this book, and people who experienced trauma in childhood may see more clearly how it has affected them. "
— LA, 10/26/2011" This is an amazing book for anyone who works with children...incredible stories with a perspective-widening impact. "
— Kristylou, 9/24/2011" This really opened my eyes to the effects of neglect on developing brains. It's fascinating from any standpoint but especially if you're immersed in the world of foster parenting. "
— Erica, 9/12/2011" Anecdotal evidence for the very basic conclusions that love is important and trauma is traumatizing to children. Pretty interesting, but I've already forgotten most of the stuff about the brain and only remember the stories. "
— Fay, 9/11/2011" This book is awesome! Gives so much insight into the importance of nurturing and loving children from birth. "
— Amber, 8/8/2011" Even if you're not in the mental health field, this is an amazing book. Hard to read (don't read at night) but SO interesting and heartbreaking. "
— Kara, 8/1/2011" the must read for anyone working with children or their parents "
— Joanna, 8/1/2011Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is the principal of the Neurosequential Network, senior fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago. He is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children, and Born for Love, about the essential nature of empathy.
Maia Szalavitz is an award-winning journalist who specializes in science and health. She is the author of Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids and Recovery Options: The Complete Guide, written with Joseph Volpicelli, MD, PhD. She lives in New York City.
Chris Kipiniak is a writer, actor, and audiobook narrator based in New York. In addition to narrating dozens of titles, he has appeared in plays on and off-Broadway, as well as regionally and internationally. He has also been featured in films and TV shows.