On Playing a Poor Hand Well: Insights from the Lives of Those Who Have Overcome Childhood Risks and Adversities

Many happy and productive adults grew up under difficult conditions that they couldn't change, no matter how hard they tried. Some struggled with learning and attention problems and yet found a way to succeed. What were the secrets of their resiliency?

Drawing upon research examining life's trajectories, Mark Katz identifies sources of protection, strength, and understanding - the cards that enable some children to "beat the odds." He encourages therapists, educators, and other child caretakers to incorporate these factors into our system of care.

Mark Katz, Ph.D., is a clinical and consulting psychologist. For over 30 years, he has served as the Director of Learning Development Services, an educational, psychological and neuropsychological center in San Diego, California. He is a past recipient of the Rosenberry Award, a national award given yearly by Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, in recognition of an individual’s contribution to the field of behavioral science. He is also a past recipient of the CHADD (Children and Adults With Attention Deficit Disorder) Hall of Fame Award. Mark is a contributing editor for Attention Magazine, and also writes the magazine’s promising practices column. He has been a keynote presenter at a number of national conferences, and has conducted numerous trainings for schools, healthcare organizations, and community groups working to improve educational and mental health systems of care. Mark has been interviewed by reporters for Oprah Magazine, Time Magazine, Men’s Health, CNN, and others in the media on topics pertaining to resilience and overcoming adversity.