Books, Podcasts, Videos

J Michael Straczynski’s memoir, Becoming Superman, recounts his journey from a traumatic childhood to Hollywood success. It offers insights into Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) affecting abused and neglected children. Through his family’s multi-generational trauma and personal struggles, JMS raises awareness of RAD while sharing his story of resilience and achievement.

Hannah Meadows highly recommends “Me, the Boy, and The Monster” by Cat McGill, praising its practical insights on adoption and trauma. McGill, trained in psychology, offers accessible explanations of complex concepts, personifying behavioral challenges to help adoptive families understand and communicate effectively. This book is essential for adopters, educators, and support workers.

A Dangerous Son is an HBO documentary that follows three mothers seeking mental health services for their aggressive sons. It highlights the lack of treatment options, high costs, and societal blame directed at parents. The film, featuring Liza Long, raises awareness about the challenges families face with children exhibiting violent behaviors.

“The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting” by Sarah Naish offers practical strategies for adoptive and foster parents dealing with children’s developmental trauma. Naish, based on her personal experience, provides solutions for various behaviors, emphasizing their unique motivations. The book transitions parents from traditional to therapeutic methods, making it a valuable resource for real challenges.

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, explores the impact of trauma on brain development. It addresses the effects of PTSD in adults and emphasizes the need for recognizing developmental trauma in children. The book provides insights into therapeutic parenting, making it essential for adoptive and foster parents.

The content discusses three psychological thrillers featuring children with developmental trauma and RAD. In “Defending Jacob,” a father’s defense of his son accused of murder leads to dire consequences. “The Foster Child” reveals a therapist’s misguided protection of a foster child, while “Baby Teeth” showcases a girl’s manipulation of her mother amidst family dysfunction.