Finding the Calm Child Within: Raising Resilient Children with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

In the intricate landscape of childhood emotional and behavioral challenges, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) stands as one of the most daunting. Characterized by intense irritability and explosive outbursts, DMDD can transform the journey of parenting and teaching into a relentless storm, leaving families and educators searching for guidance and support. This book offers a beacon of hope as well as a comprehensive resource crafted for those dedicated to nurturing children with DMDD.

Key areas of coverage include:

·       Biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to DMDD and how to recognize and assess its symptoms effectively.

·       Evidence-based approaches to assessing and treating DMDD, from parent training and therapeutic interventions to medication management.

·       The eight guideposts for building resilience to help children with DMDD navigate their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and cultivate self-discipline and empathy.

·       Real-life inspirational and practical wisdom from the experiences of families who have courageously and lovingly faced the challenges of DMDD.

·       Strengthening home and school partnerships to ensure that children with DMDD receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically and socially.

Finding the Calm Child Within is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for growth and transformation in a child’s life. It extends beyond DMDD, offering valuable insights for managing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. The book is an invaluable resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals.

Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist specializing in school psychology, child development, and neuropsychology. Licensed in Utah, he is a certified Developmental Disabilities evaluator, board-certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist, and a Fellow of leading neuropsychology and cerebral palsy academies. He has served as Assistant Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry and has directed a private multidisciplinary team addressing neurological, learning, and behavioral issues since 1980. Dr. Goldstein is on staff at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute and has contributed to the Craniofacial Team and Developmental Disabilities Clinic at the University of Utah. A prolific author, Dr. Goldstein has written or edited over 50 publications, including 21 textbooks on behavior, ADHD, resilience, and learning disabilities, and the Clinician Guide to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (2024). He has developed a dozen psychological tests. He has also collaborated extensively, producing seminal works on resilience, classroom management, autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Donna DiMaio Rooney, a Pace University graduate (1990), began her career in television, contributing to shows like LIVE! with Regis and Kathie Lee and Good Morning America. Transitioning to public relations, she earned two silver HSMAI Golden Bell awards before venturing independently. She is an accomplished writer and has contributed to books and magazines, including DANI and the Day the Bully Changed Everything, which received a gold Mom’s Choice Award®. Passionate about youth advocacy, she co-founded Revolutionize DMDD and co-authored a chapter in Clinician Guide to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Children and Adolescents (2024). Donna resides in Connecticut with her family and their Shih- Poo.

Molly Anthony, a Brigham Young University graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, began her career as a graphic designer before transitioning to the medical field as a certified medical assistant at an ADHD clinic. A parent of a child with DMDD, she has dedicated her life to understanding the disorder and fostering stability. Growing up in a family with mood disorders and ADHD, Molly offers unique insights from both child and parent perspectives. In 2024, she co-authored DMDD from the Front Line: The Parent’s Perspective, featured in the Clinician Guide to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Children and Adolescents.

Robert Brooks, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and part-time faculty member at Harvard Medical School and former Director of Psychology at McLean Hospital. He is an expert on resilience, education, special needs, psychotherapy, parenting, and fostering positive environments. Dr. Brooks has authored or co-authored 22 books, 36 book chapters, and 36 peer-reviewed articles. He has received numerous awards, including Hall of Fame honors from the Connecticut Association of Children with LD and CHADD, the Mental Health Humanitarian Award from William James College, and the 2023 Trailblazer Award from Worldmaker International for his contributions to resilience. Dr. Brooks has consulted for Sesame Street Parents Magazine and continues to inspire through his lectures, writings, and groundbreaking work in mental health.