There are many books available on Reactive Attachment Disorder and our list does not include all of them, though we have read many more than appear here. We have listed the following because we believe them to be the most useful for our family. All are available through the Nancy Thomas Parenting site at www.attachment.org
When Love is Not Enough by Nancy Thomas (aka "the little purple book")
The RAD parents' handbook with numerous tips on how to take care of yourself, lobby for respite and respond to varied"bizarre" behaviours. We actually found a copy of this book at a used bookstore in a vacation city and brought it home for Grandma and Grandpa
Therapeutic Parenting - It's a Matter or Attitude by Deborah Hage, MSW
Parenting handbook by Deborah Hage with tips, but also explanantions about why children think the way they think and how to come to terms with this as a parent of a RAD child
Parenting with Pizzaz - CD set by Deborah Hage, MSW
Great listening experience with wonderful real-life solutions to problems Deborah faced with her own children. Full of humour and acceptance about the things you cannot change as a parent of a RAD child.
99 Ways to Drive your Child Sane by Brita St. Clair
Hilarious. A fun pocket book full of humour-filled "solutions" to everyday bizarre behaviours from RAD children from urinating in inappropriate places to breaking a cycle of stubborness. Ideas that will have you coming up with your own.
Don’t Touch My Heart by Lynda Gianforte Mansfield (forward by Foster W. Cline, MD)
An example of a true story (adapted to story telling form)with a RAD child from inclusion into an adoptive home, through discovery of severe issues, through therapy to some semblance of healing and managing as a family unit. Good book for extended family to read, although they may find the RAD realties difficult to read about. This book is a quick read.
Dandelion on my Pillow, Butcher Knife Beneath by Nancy Thomas, Beth Thomas and Trina Thomas
Amazing story about Nancy Thomas' introduction into RAD, her challenges and successes and real-life events in her world raising children with RAD. Her daughters contribute to the story, Beth Thomas, formally featured as "The Child of Rage" on HBO and Trina Thomas, a healthy child raised alongside RAD-affected children. The story is captivating and full of emotion. Some RAD realities within will be shocking. It is a MUST-READ for family and friends if they are willing to start a larger book.
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