About the Book

This book takes you inside the real cases of a child psychiatrist who has spent his career helping children recover from unimaginable trauma. It explains, in plain language, how early pain shapes a child’s brain and what it actually takes to heal.

About the Author

Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, is a leading child psychiatrist and the principal of the Neurosequential Network. He has worked directly with children who survived extreme neglect, violence, and abuse, and he co-authored the bestselling book What Happened to You? with Oprah Winfrey.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is written for parents, teachers, therapists, social workers, and anyone who works with or cares for children who have faced hard experiences. It’s also a great pick for readers who simply want to understand how trauma shapes the developing brain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog based on a true story?
Yes. The book is built on real case studies from Dr. Bruce Perry’s decades of work as a child psychiatrist treating trauma survivors.

Who should read this book about child trauma?
It’s ideal for parents, educators, therapists, and social workers, or anyone wanting to understand how childhood trauma affects brain development and long-term healing.

Is this book hard to understand for someone new to psychology?
Not at all. Dr. Perry explains brain science through storytelling, so readers without a psychology background can follow along easily.