What to read on: Attachment, Trauma and Development

1, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog – Bruce Perry

Psychiatrist Bruce Perry shares real clinical stories of traumatised children to explain how early trauma affects brain development. Drawing on his work with young patients, he shows how relationships, safety and therapeutic care can help children recover and heal from profound adversity.

2, Nurturing Attachments – Kim Golding

Kim Golding provides a practical and compassionate guide for parents, carers and professionals supporting children with attachment difficulties. Using the “House Model of Parenting” and illustrated case examples, the book offers clear strategies to help adults build secure relationships, support emotional growth and nurture resilience in children who have experienced early relational disruption.

3, Why Love Matters – Sue Gerhardt

Sue Gerhardt explores how early relationships shape the developing brain and influence emotional wellbeing across the lifespan. Drawing on neuroscience and developmental psychology, she explains how love, attunement and early caregiving experiences help build the foundations for emotional regulation, resilience and mental health.

4, Why Can’t My Child Behave? – Amber Elliott

This practical guide helps parents and carers understand and respond to challenging behaviour in children affected by developmental trauma. Moving beyond reward-and-punishment approaches, it offers compassionate explanations, reflective exercises and practical strategies to help adults respond with empathy while supporting children’s emotional regulation.

5, Mindsight – Dan Siegel

Dan Siegel introduces the concept of “mindsight” – the ability to understand our own mind and the minds of others. By developing awareness of thoughts and emotions, readers can strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships and step out of automatic reactions to respond with greater clarity and compassion.

6, Social Stories – Carol Gray

Carol Gray’s Social Stories approach helps children, particularly those with autism, better understand social situations, expectations and emotions. Through simple, structured narratives, Social Stories support communication, build confidence and promote understanding of everyday interactions.