Deborah Gray is an experienced family therapist and clinical social worker who specializes in grief, trauma and attachment with older children who have history of abuse and, or neglect.
Gray teaches parents how important it is to be patient and that creating a highly structured, highly nurturing environment can help with the attachment of an adopted child. The book Attaching in Adoption includes cross-cultural and interracial adoption, and religious concerns. With a detailed exploration of developmental delays many kids who have been adopted later in life may suffer.
“Attaching In Adoption” helps adoptive parents form realistic expectations, while providing suggestions for families and children striving to form lasting, loving relationships. The book includes an extensive overview of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of attachment disorders found in many adopted children. Deborah Gray’s unique blend of compassion and helpful advice makes this an excellent resource for anyone who has questions about bonding and attachment.
Some of Deborah‘s other public writing include additional supportive information. An article titled “Explaining Your Child’s Attachment Issues to Friends and Family” and covers several issues including:
- 1. “An attachment disordered child needs to practice trusting a family…”
- 2. “Some people do not “get it,” when attachment issues are explained to them…”
- 3. “If people ask you what they can do to help, have requests at hand. Let them know that a hot meal would be wonderful…”
- 4. “Perfect the art of affirming yourself in a public setting…”
- 5. “If friends want to help with diagnosing, do not appear receptive. Let them know that your child has been diagnosed and that you are following a treatment regimen known to be successful for many children.”
- 6. “If close family members or friends want to understand, suggest Nancy Thomas’ book, When Love is Not Enough, obtained through Nancy Thomas, PO Box 2812, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602, or E-mail: ncthomas@rof.net .”
- 7. “Let your friends know that children with attachment disorders are notorious for reducing maternal self-esteem…”
Readers may also find this Interview with Deborah Gray helpful while waiting for delivery of the book Attachment In Adoption which can be ordered online at AdoptionShop.com
Special Needs and Adoption-Related Terms:
A | B | C | D | E-F | G-H-I | J-K-L | M | N-O | P | Q-R | S | T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
For more information about parenting special needs children you might want to visit the Families.com Special Needs Blog and the Mental Health Blog. Or visit my personal website.