Rating: 
Summary: I wasted my money...
Review: I'm sorry to say, this book was a huge disappointment. First, this book is poorly put together, and full of typographical and grammatical errors. Second, Ms. Thomas has no credentials or advanced degree in the field of mental health, and this sometimes shows in her ideas and techniques. This book should not be regarded as a scholarly work that is backed by legitimate research on effective methods for working with children with RAD. It should only be viewed as an overview of the author's personal philosophy on parenting children with RAD. As a child and family therapist, I found little of value in this book, and would not recommend it for the parents I work with. I would recommend "Adopting the Hurt Child" by Gregory Keck Ph.D, or "Holding Time" by Martha Welsh, M.D.
Rating:
Summary: Not Worth the Money
Review: I've read very good reviews of this book but I can't see what they're talking about. I've read many books about attachment disorders and this is by far the poorest. Its poorly thought out and not written well. The author's suggestions are simply not workable in my situation and probably many others. For example, she suggests if a child acts up in the car make him walk the rest of the way home. Apparently she doesn't make long car trips. I can't simply pull over in a busy freeway and tell a five-year old to walk 10 miles home! She also suggests a "respite" care that you arrange with a family member or close friend to take your child for a few days if you're stressed out. Who's going to volunteer to do that???I have enough trouble finding a babysitter for a well-behaved child for a few hours. I basically found her advice worthless. I am extremely dissappointed since I eagerly awaited this book. She jusr rambles, shotguns from one topic to another and never gives any real practical advice.
Rating: 
Summary: A book for the stressed out Mom
Review: In 5 years, and countless books... this book is the ONE read I could relate too. My son is diagnosed with ODD and ADHD. (and I believe, RAD). The physicians, therapists, social workers, etc. felt fine to label him with ODD and ADHD, but why not with RAD? I will never know. I can honestly tell you this~~ after reading this book, we have been medication FREE for 1 week. Not impressive to some, but to those who can relate, it's a huge milestone. I could not have done this without the help of this book. Many, many thanks to the author, Nancy Thomas. At last, a book not filled with "how to's", but logical, useful and intelligent recommendations.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for parenting a RAD child
Review: Nancy gives the best words of wisdom for dealing with a RAD child. Her encouragement is spectacular. I'm certain I'd have failed many days if it had not been for Nancy's book. I've bought multiple copies for my child's teachers, sitters and friends who are with her a lot. If you buy no other book on RAD, this is the one to buy!
Rating: 
Summary: What credentials does she need
Review: Nancy L. Thomas has been critizied for lack of credentials. 20 years of experience with severely disturbed children sounds like pretty good credentials to me. It is the most depressing book I have ever read, but I am sure she is right on. Why, because our adopted son's treatment foster mother who has had 266 foster children used these techniques successfully on our son. We took the standard training, read the books by the credentialed experts and in three years have undone all of the good work of his foster mother. It will be very hard to regain that terratory, but I know we must. No, I would not like to live that way either as a parent or child, but I am willing to do so to save my son from what he is becoming. You may not like the book but my experience tells me it is correct.
Rating:
Summary: This is a cult
Review: Nancy Thomas has no credentials. Her "expertise" in the area of attachment is entirely the result of shameless self promotion. Her "techniques" are not based on science or psychology. She has a "cult" following, but no long term studies to determine whether her form of discipline is actually helpful or harmful. In many cases, she is the justification for child abuse by parents who prefer to blame the child rather than examine the problems.
Where is the psychological study supporting her views? Where are her educational credentials? Her basis for making psychological judgments?
Attachment is a hot button issue right now, and Nancy Thomas has taken advantage of this trend to make herself a self described "expert" in the field. Before you sign on to this cult, take a careful look at what the research in the field says, and consider the profit motive in the "training" offered.
Rating:
Summary: not good
Review: Not written by a professional. Where is the respect for the children. Would she like to be treated like this? Look for a book about parenting difficult children that does respect them.
Rating: 
Summary: Very helpful for those just learning about this diagnosis.
Review: RAD is a tough diagnosis, no matter how you come across it. If you are just learning about it, this book is helpful. It gets you going on the right track until you can find an attachment therapist to help you. Sometimes, getting an appointment can take months! This book can get on the right path with methods you can start the day you get the book. It helps you develop a plan. You do need therapy, not just this book! Through the therapy, all physical and emotional causes can be explored so our children have the best possible chance for healing. If you have the ability, go and see Nancy Thomas speak. My impression of her changed when I met her. She is incredible and has the most hope for these children that I have seen. Her expectations for them are high. She should know, she has been doing it for a long time. Always explore other opinions and options. In the end, many people find a good mix of therapies work for them. Good luck!
Rating:
Summary: FINALLY!
Review: Someone has finally put what I live with into words. People did not believe what I said, because they saw a different part to my son, to the extent that they accused me of child abuse because I was "too strict". We have been using these strategies for just a few days, and we can already see a difference. I feel less stressed because I have ways of dealing with the behaviors that stressed me most. Any parent who has a child with ADHD, ODD, or RAD, should read this book several times. The methods may seem unconventional, but these are not conventional kids. I've lived with it for 5 years, and this is the first thing that's worked.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Book!!
Review: This book has been a God send! It wasn't difficult reading and it has helped to save my family. I have a Reactive Attachment Disorder child and we implemented Nancy's program in our home. Things are very different, now there's actually laughter and peace within our home. Thank you!
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