High Risk: Children Without A Conscience Paperback – March 1, 1989

An enlightening analysis of the insidious impact of trauma experienced during formative years of life. There are specific stages of development that cannot be relived, which formulate how "connected" that an individual becomes toward others with a capacity for empathy. Empathy is something 'learned' by parents and or care givers.This dissertation is written by Dr Maggid who was featured in the original HBO documentary, "Child of Rage"; a stunning account of how abuse (including neglect) harms core issues in later adult years of the neglected, abused child..Without having bonded with parents or guardians, the child fails to mature emotionally, which results in sociopathic narcissism and varying levels of calloused emotional responses.A large percentage of prisoners are sociopaths and an even larger percentage were diagnosed once arrested and incarcerated, because these individuals do not lend themselves voluntarily to analysis and diagnosis. There modis-operandi is to appear normal, in spite of their maladjustament.Despite the age of the material, I found the content a pioneering study that remains uniquely a vital addition to one's library.

It was in great shape and arrived on time

An excellent read for any parent, or anyone who works with children in any capacity. It is very clear and concise in the way it outlines what to look for in children who are at high rish for serious problemes down the road, whether they are mental problems, or behavioral problems leading to incarceration. I read parts of this book over repeatedly, as I work with children mental with problems and have also experienced these problems in my own family. Easy for a lay person, or non professional, to read and understand.

I had this book in the early eighties when it first came out when I was taking a class in Adolescent Psychology.I have worked with the population of “young people” since the latter eighties until present time as an educator.I believe this book is very relevant for understanding the conscience of the young person especially for those that are today in denial and believe that “kiddos” are all misunderstood due to environment and social settings.Now that I am in my senior year as I reflect on a number of books that I feel are relevant to add to my personal collection to pass on to another generation this is one.I recommended this book to those who are seeking an understanding of what the nature of many young people are today.

We adopted 3 children and one has an emotional detachment. The book has many interesting topics. My wife and I are both reading the book and are finding it helpful.

This is a great book about anti-social personality disorder that I had to get when I was in a marriage and family therapy graduate program. It is extremely interesting and eye-opening. Though it is dated and some of the terminology has changed, it is still a good book for helping clinicians to have read.

There is a lot of information in this book that was cutting edge in the 1980's. A lot of things have been disproven, but the basics of attachment as the indicator of children with a lowered conscience hold true. There are better books out there for learning about this subject, but it is still interesting to look at past treatment modalities.

As difficult as it can be to leave the relative comfort that denial can bring, it is a necessary thing that must be done. Even after the first few chapters, I found myself seeing things in children that I had not seen before. I have my bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and English, and I teach 4th and 5th grade Sunday School every week to approximately 40 students. This author is proficient in his subject, and is sounding the alarm that must be heard.