About Dr. Bruce Perry: Principal of the Neurosequential Network and Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University and La Trobe University, Melbourne, is a distinguished figure in children’s mental health and neurosciences. Over 30 years, he has influenced global clinical practice, programs, and policies with his research on the impact of abuse and trauma on the developing brain. Dr. Perry co-authored bestsellers like “The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog” and “What Happened to You?” with Oprah Winfrey. A former Trammell Research Professor of Child Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, he has conducted extensive neuroscience and clinical research, leading to the development of the Neurosequential Model©. Dr. Perry’s expertise has been sought after in high-profile incidents involving traumatized children worldwide. With over 500 publications and numerous awards, he continues to shape the field through innovative clinical practices and educational approaches. Dr. Perry’s media presence includes features on major platforms like 60 Minutes, NPR, and Oprah Winfrey Show, emphasizing his significant contributions to child welfare and mental health.

Description: The impact of developmental adversities including trauma, maltreatment, neglect and intrauterine substance exposure can be devastating; the resulting academic, behavioral, emotional, social and physical health problems make parenting and caring for these children and youth very challenging, often leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and disrupted or failed placement.   The complexities of developmental adversity can confuse physicians, therapists, educators and carers; a common problem is the different points of view and expectations that adults and systems attempting to help these children.  The very heart of the Neurosequential Model is to provide a better understanding of the effects of trauma, neglect and other developmental insults on the developing child; and, then with these new understandings, creating developmentally appropriate, neuroscience aware and trauma sensitive practices, programs and policies.  The NMC has been developed to help parents and carers better understand the complexities of maltreated and traumatized children and to help unify the various adults (therapist, teachers and carers) living and working with these children to create a shared set of expectations and therapeutic, enrichment and educational opportunities.