Top 15 Trusted RAD & Attachment Resources

Not every book, group, or program gets it. These are the ones that actually help adoptive families parenting kids with trauma and attachment struggles. If you don’t have time to search through hundreds of resources, this list is the place to start. These are my Top 15 most-recommended books, support groups, trainings, and tools for parents raising children with trauma including Reactive Attachment Disorder. Many are free, all are trusted, and I’ve either used them personally or know other families who have found them invaluable.

This website contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — but I only recommend books and resources I’ve personally used or truly believe will help families.

1. The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting: Strategies and Solutions
   (Sarah Naish)
   What makes this book fantastic is the “A to Z” index of behaviors with practical ideas and solutions. And, even better, the author is a foster and adoptive parent who writes from experience. Here’s a comprehensive review I wrote of this book. 
2. But, He Spit in my Coffee: A reads-like-fiction memoir about adopting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder
   (Keri Williams) 
   This book will enable your family, friends experience for themselves what raising a RAD kid is like. It will allow therapists and other service providers to see for themselves the nuances of a family in crisis. Available in paperback, audio, and e-book, and always free on Kindle Unlimited. 
3. Attach Families Support Group
   Attach Families offers this private online support group for caregivers of RAD kids. This is a great place to find support and network locally. It’s been a lifesaver for many, many parents. 
4. Live virtual training: Living with Childhood Challenging Violent and Aggressive Behavior
   Practical, hands-on training from adoptive father and Advanced Non-Violent Resistance Practitioner, Al Coates. This is UK based, but well worth navigating the any time zone differences. Outstanding material that you can put to use in your home right away!
5. The Underground World of RAD Facebook Support Group
   The Underground World of RAD offers this private online support group for caregivers of RAD kids. This is a great place to find support and network locally. Connect with other parents and know that you are not alone. 
6. Meditations for moms of kids with RAD
   These highly specialized meditations were created for moms of kids with RAD by professional hypnotherapist, Chel Hamilton. They’re calming and under 10 minutes to make them do-able in your busy day. 
7. A Day in Our Shoes
   An excellent website and Facebook page offering special education advocacy and IEP tips. The posts are chockful of information that is practical and often state specific. 
8. RAD Advocates
   Started by three moms of RAD kids, RAD Advocates equips families, communities, and professionals to effectively support children with reactive attachment disorder. They offer one-on-one support, educational resources, and an annual conference. 
9. RAD Talk with Tracey
   Tracey Poffenroth Prato offers support groups, personal coaching, and is the founder/host of the RAD Talk with Tracey podcast. 
10. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): The Essential Guide for Parents
    (Keri Williams)
    This resource is filled with critical information, practical suggestions, and resource recommendations that will provide a way forward. 
11. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
    (Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD)
    By a leading trauma expert, this book is about how trauma impacts the body and brain. Kolk is the researcher who coined the term “Developmental Trauma” and his work is key to understanding the impact of early childhood trauma. 
12. The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog
    (Bruce Perry)
    This is a fascinating collection of case studies from a leading researcher that reveals how brain development is impacted by trauma. Perry also developed the Neurosequential Model. 
13. ILF Neurofeedback for Childhood Trauma—3 Part Series
    Transformative brain training that is effective for those with early childhood trauma.
14. Trauma and the Incredible Hulk
    (Jacob Ham, PhD)
    I love this video! This is such a helpful analogy for trauma. This paradigm shift can help us depersonalize our child’s behavior which is key to remaining calm and regulated ourselves. 
15. What to do when CPS comes knocking(Diane Redleaf, Civil Rights Attorney)
    In this interview, I asked Diane how falsely accused caregivers can successfully navigate the child protection system. While this cannot substitute for legal advice or address individual circumstances, she offers our families invaluable guidance and tips you won’t find anywhere else.

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