This practical self-help guide “illuminates the heartbreaking costs of childhood trauma and . . . offers the promising science of healing and prevention” (Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart).

The trauma we suffer as children not only shapes our emotional lives as adults, but it also affects our physical health, longevity, and overall well-being. Scientists now know on a bio-chemical level how Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs)—such as bullying, abuse, death in the family, divorce, or an alcoholic parent—can leave permanent, physical “fingerprints” on our brains.

When children encounter sudden or chronic adversity, stress hormones cause powerful changes in the body, altering the body’s chemistry. The developing immune system and brain react to this chemical barrage by permanently resetting children’s stress response to “high,” which in turn can have a devastating impact on their mental and physical health as they grow up.

Donna Jackson Nakazawa shares stories from people who have recognized and overcome their adverse experiences, shows why some children are more immune to stress than others, and explains why women are at particular risk. Childhood Disrupted offers practical ways to help reset your biology—and help your loved ones find ways to heal.