Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder
Uncovering how emotional safety, not genetics, shapes attention and self-regulation
About This Book
Unlock a radically new understanding of attention, emotion, and personal healing through eye-opening insights into the roots and reversibility of attention deficit patterns. Instead of blaming 'bad genes' or 'bad parenting,' this guide reveals why sensitive minds tune out, how family and social stresses shape brain development, and what truly allows children and adults to heal and thrive. With vivid real-life stories, clear neuroscience explanations, and step-by-step strategies, readers discover how relationships—not chemicals or willpower—enable focus, calm, and lasting growth. Whether you're a parent, educator, or seeking self-understanding, prepare for a hopeful journey that empowers change at any age.About the Author
Dr. Gabor Maté is a celebrated physician, acclaimed for his pioneering work linking childhood development, trauma, and addiction. Drawing on decades of experience in family practice, palliative care, and the addiction field, Dr. Maté brings unrivaled insight into the hidden roots of emotional and cognitive struggles. His bestsellers, lectures, and professional honors reflect a rare blend of personal empathy, scientific rigor, and commitment to compassionate healing. Known for challenging conventional wisdom with humanity and humor, Dr. Maté helps readers and professionals worldwide reimagine what true wellness requires.
Biggest Takeaway
Readers will gain concrete, science-backed methods to strengthen emotional self-regulation, rebuild secure relationships, and transform the core patterns that drive distractibility, impulsivity, and shame. You'll learn to foster resilience in children (and yourself), reduce conflict at home and in the classroom, and develop self-compassion that supports real, lasting change. By shifting your focus from biology to environment, you'll find tools to heal—even later in life—and unlock a sense of agency, clarity, and connection you may have long thought out of reach.
Key Insights from This Book
Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.
Why Healing Attention Patterns Starts with Emotional Relationships, Not Willpower
How Delayed Emotional Development Sabotages Focus—And What You Can Do About It
Sensitive Children Are Not Broken—They’re Wired for Deep Feeling and Relationship
Breaking the Cycle: Why Blame Traps Families and Real Change Starts with Self-Knowledge
You Can’t Fake Attunement: How Emotional Synchrony Builds or Breaks Focus and Self-Regulation
Counterwill Is Not Defiance—Why Pushback Signals an Undeveloped Sense of Self
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Why Measured Praise Builds True Self-Esteem
Healing is Development, Not Cure: How Adult Brains Remain Capable of Growth
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