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In the latest episode of the Brain's Body podcast, Dr. Christopher Kevin Slaton examines the relationship between brain development, sensory organization, and family leadership. He presents perspectives that challenge conventional views on parent-child dynamics and discusses approaches to supporting children's neurological development from birth. Central to Dr. Slaton's framework is the concept of the "crisis of self," which he defines as a state arising when individuals are conditioned to behave predictably without developing neural pathways for reflection and self-awareness. He identifies three levels of brain development: training the brain, preparing the brain, and organizing the brain. According to his model, meaningful development occurs when children learn to organize their neural systems to process experiences effectively, rather than simply being trained for predictable behavior.
Dr. Slaton further addresses the potential for children to demonstrate leadership qualities from an early age. He proposes that infants possess inherent cognitive abilities and suggests that parents can support these by engaging with the child's neural development, rather than imposing fixed behavioral expectations. This perspective repositions parental authority as a responsive interaction meant to facilitate children's growth toward their full potential.
Dr. Slaton introduces the term "neurological holding" to describe connecting with a child's brain through attentive communication and engagement, as opposed to focusing only on physical comfort. He contends that such interactions foster intellectual and emotional development by addressing the child's experiences and encouraging neural connections. The practice of "brain talk" is presented as a method of communicating directly with the developing brain to support mental health and self-awareness.
He illustrates his ideas with a personal account regarding his son diagnosed with schizophrenia, describing how practices consistent with neurological holding appeared to contribute positively to his son's well-being over an extended period. Dr. Slaton's approach emphasizes the importance of acknowledging children's efforts to communicate and the value of supporting a developmental trajectory that avoids rigidity, referred to as the "static state of mind." He associates this condition with limited growth and links it to the origins of certain mental health issues.
Overall, the episode presents various concepts related to brain development and family leadership, offering definitions and examples intended to clarify these ideas for families interested in fostering effective communication and development within their family system.
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The Neural Connection: Understanding the Brain's Body and Family Leadership
In the latest episode of the Brain's Body podcast, Dr. Christopher Kevin Slayton delves into the fascinating relationship between brain development, sensory organization, and family leadership. His insights challenge conventional wisdom about parent-child dynamics and offer a transformative perspective on how we can better nurture the neurological development of children from birth.
At the core of Dr. Slayton's philosophy is the concept of the "crisis self" - a state that emerges when individuals have been programmed to behave in predictable ways without developing the neural pathways needed for reflection and self-awareness. He outlines three critical levels of brain development: training the brain, preparing the brain, and organizing the brain. Through this framework, Dr. Slayton emphasizes that true development comes not from training children to be predictable, but from helping them organize their neural systems to process experiences meaningfully. This distinction is crucial because predictability often supersedes the natural formulation of thought and reflection that children need to develop insight and self-aw
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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At the heart of Human Systems Science lies an inquiry into how the physics of interaction shapes perspectives on child development and mental health outcomes. This methodological framework reconsiders conventional understandings by analyzing the complex relationships between the brain, body, and the sensory information transmitted among them. The field raises critical questions regarding the extent to which physical training can influence neural programming and, conversely, how insights about the brain inform the interpretation of bodily experiences. Dr. Slaton's research emphasizes the dynamic relationship between physical movement and cognitive processes, illustrating that the sense of self emerges from both intellectual insight and the capacity to perceive and interpret bodily sensations.
Dr. Slaton's Brain Talk publications present a comprehensive model for self-exploration through foundational inquiries designed to help individuals anchor their emotions, thoughts, and reflections. These key questions guide exploration of self-identity (who you are), focus of examination (what you are exploring in terms of brain, body, and senses), temporal context (when you are), environmental context (where you are), motivational understanding (why you are), and personal assessment (how you experience yourself). Each question serves as an instrument for cultivating deeper self-awareness and elucidating the intricate interconnections that define identity and experience across the lifespan.
The pathway to self-actualization within Dr. Slaton's framework comprises four essential stages that integrate neurobiological and sensory awareness. First, comprehending the mechanisms by which the brain learns lays groundwork for effective learning strategies encompassing both bodily and neural dynamics. Second, experiencing the body's processes enhances recognition of the linkages between physical and psychological well-being. Third, transmitting emotions and thoughts via the senses strengthens brain-body connectivity and heightens emotional acuity. Finally, synthesizing sensory input and reception supports the development of behavioral and neural indicators of care, which are vital for perceiving, processing, and responding to both internal and external stimuli—a process Dr. Slaton describes as developing "a sense of feel for self" and "the brain's body."
For those interested in exploring Human Systems Science further, Dr. Slaton is hosting a Human Systems Science Meeting on September 13, 2025, which will cover topics including self-actualization, emotion management, brain-body connections, and neurophysiological changes. Attendees will receive practical strategies and case studies aimed at applying human systems science principles in everyday and professional contexts. The first 50 participants will receive special benefits, including a complimentary e-book copy of "Human Systems Science in the Best Interest of the Child's Mental Health and Self-Awareness," access to downloadable materials, and invitations to future meetings. To learn more about Dr. Slaton's work or to contact him directly, visit www.drSlatonlive.com, email [email protected], or call 916-955-1368.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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Have you ever considered that we're raising children in a technological world without treating them as technologies themselves? Dr. Christopher Kevin Slaton, known as "the brain talker," challenges conventional thinking about childhood development with his revolutionary concept of "brain talk." This episode explores how understanding children as sophisticated neural networks rather than merely physical beings transforms our approach to education, parenting, and mental health.
Dr. Slaton introduces his "human systems science toolkit," explaining how children possess built-in problem-solving capabilities through the connection of brain, body, and senses. When children understand these neural pathways, they develop what he calls a "cool, calm, and collect sense of feel" that helps them navigate emotional challenges. Through reflective thinking, children learn to process experiences, clear mental space during distress, and gain insight into their own behaviors and reactions.
With over three decades of research focused on families affected by America's drug epidemics, Dr. Slaton presents Human Systems Science as a comprehensive framework for addressing today's crisis of self. His work spans numerous educational initiatives designed to enhance children's mental health and self-awareness. As one reviewer noted, "Dr. Slaton doesn't treat kids like problems to be fixed but people to be understood." Join us as we explore this paradigm shift that reimagines children as technologies with neural systems—a perspective that could revolutionize how we support young people in the information age. Ready to transform how you communicate with the children in your life? Listen now and discover the power of brain talk.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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The Challenge of Modern ChildhoodToday's children grow up in a wireless world, immersed in digital platforms rather than traditional land-based social systems. Yet, conventional educational and developmental practices remain prevalent, often leading to emotional obstacles such as anger, sadness, and frustration. Dr. Slaton advocates for an updated approach known as "human systems science," which prioritizes direct engagement with children's neural systems.
The Brain as a Management SystemThis episode explores the brain's role as a management system for processing information. Dr. Slaton emphasizes that focusing on physical compliance disrupts emotional regulation, while understanding neural pathways allows for healthier child development. He outlines practical strategies for parents, educators, and coaches to foster robust neural growth.
Why Engage the Brain?The distinction between mind and brain is fundamental to Dr. Slaton's philosophy. The mind is shaped by environmental factors, whereas the brain serves as the biological organ that interprets information. Traditional methods train children's bodies to perform and behave in specific ways, often overlooking the development of a child's introspective "sense of feel for self."
Consequences of Body-Focused TrainingBody-focused training can result in emotional and psychological difficulties. When adults emphasize physical compliance, children's emotional processing becomes impaired. Information flow turns unreliable, and emotions and memories become blocked, leading to frequent anger or upset. This is not a matter of character flaws but rather a disruption of neural pathways essential for processing experience. Children struggle to reflectively define their sense of self, resulting in internal conflict and confusion.
Dr. Slaton's Transformative SolutionDr. Slaton proposes a transformative solution: learn the child's brain. Adults must recognize that children today are shaped by technology that manages and controls them. The key is to engage with their neural systems—to "talk to the brain." Senses, as neurophysiological dynamics, enable interaction between brain and body. By nurturing a child's sense of feel, adults support their problem-solving abilities.
Brain Talk: The New FrontierDr. Slaton's approach, called human systems science, equips adults with tools for problem-solving in various contexts—home, school, and beyond. By learning to interact with the brain and recognizing its forms of communication, parents, educators, and coaches can help children develop greater organizational skills and competence, surpassing previous generations. This neurological approach offers hope for addressing the mental health crisis impacting today's youth.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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The brain demonstrates a remarkable capacity to interpret and respond to both internal and external "signs of care," which facilitate adaptation, growth, and the refinement of responses. These cues significantly influence emotional and behavioral outcomes, shaping development from early childhood onward. The body maintains well-being through an ongoing sense of self, informed by continuous communication with the brain—an internal dialogue that supports self-perception and responses to the environment. Sensory systems are integral to this network, relaying experiences between the brain and body. Sensory input enables the processing and reflection upon lived experiences, thereby strengthening connections between cognitive and physiological networks. The brain's complex response systems analyze and react to numerous stimuli, coordinating actions via specialized pathways sensitive to various signals. This dynamic interaction supports efficient information processing, energy transfer, and the generation of appropriate physical and emotional responses.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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What happens in a child's brain and body when they feel deprived of meaningful contact? The answer lies in what Dr. Christopher K. Slaton calls "the breath of life" – a powerful concept that shapes how a child's brain, body, and sense systems align from their earliest moments.
Dr. Slaton takes us deep into the world of human systems science, revealing why physical comfort – your warm embrace, your gentle touch – creates crucial social and cognitive transfers that allow children to redirect emotional flows. When you lead with signs of care, children can sense your brain "in the lead" of your body, fostering the alignment of mental health and self-awareness through sense and receive path interplay.
Through decades of work with children who struggle to cooperate, use hostile language, and show cyclical emotional reactions, Dr. Slaton has discovered patterns that indicate when a child's physiological responses override conscious reflective thought. These insights form the foundation of his upcoming work, "Human Systems Science in the Best Interest of the Child's Mental Health and Self-Awareness" (2025). His approach transforms how we understand challenging behaviors, emphasizing the need to "talk to the child's brain, not the child's body."
Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional working with children, these perspectives offer practical ways to help children process their experiences and develop healthy emotional responses. Subscribe now to join our human systems science community and gain access to exclusive content on improving child mental health through applied human systems science. Mark your calendar for Dr. Slaton's live event on September 13, 2025, where he'll further unlock the physics of self-actualization and why the brain must act in the lead of the body to manage emotion and control thought.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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What if everything you thought you knew about mental health was missing the most crucial component? Dr. Slaton takes us on a profound journey into "The Brain's Body Learning System," revolutionizing how we understand the relationship between our brain, body, and mental wellbeing.
From the very first "breath of life," we begin forming memories and experiences that shape our mental states, but often in ways that prioritize bodily responses over brain leadership. When others say you have a "bad attitude" or "poor character," they're actually identifying trained states resulting from environmental influences—not who you truly are. The key to transformation lies in what Dr. Slaton calls "forward feed," the brain's reflective capacity that allows us to process negative experiences into flexible, adaptive responses.
The system is beautifully simple yet powerful: sense to feel to focus. By learning to observe neural interactions and cooperate with your brain's natural processing abilities, you create insight and awareness that allow you to respond effectively rather than react from conditioned patterns. This approach is particularly revolutionary for child development, where Dr. Slaton suggests we've been focusing too heavily on training children's bodies rather than nurturing the neurophysical development of their brains. The telepathic energy between parent and child—that intuitive communication at a neurological level—forms the foundation for healthy mental development.
Ready to experience transformative change? Dr. Slaton's new book, "Human Systems Science in the Best Interests of the Child's Mental Health and Self-Awareness," offers not just theory but practical methodologies you can test immediately. Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Join the human systems science revolution and discover how your brain can truly lead your body to better mental health and self-awareness.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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The ultimate experience is your brain's body. When we truly understand this fundamental connection, we transform how we relate to ourselves and others, especially children in crisis.
Imagine speaking to a child's neurophysical system rather than merely reacting to their physical behavior. When children push back with "I don't care," they are actively blocking the transfer between their physical self and their attempts at meaningful connection. The key is recognizing this resistance not as defiance but as a signal that they do not yet know how to feel you—to process your messaging through their inner sense of feel for self.
Every interaction becomes an opportunity for growth when we shift from physical reactions to neurophysical engagement. Rather than meeting a child's anger with aggression (physics responding to physics), we can maintain rational compassion (neurophysics) by consciously settling ourselves to address their brain. This approach requires daily practice and consistency—specifically 14 days of intentional effort to change interaction patterns. The transformation occurs subtly as children begin to experience your intellectual self on a continuous basis, talking them through crises with understanding rather than confrontation.
What makes this method powerful is its foundation in basic social learning: live, learn, think, respond, contact, interact, cooperate, participate, and reflect. These are not academic concepts but practical tools for navigating the complex terrain of human connection. When a child cannot interact effectively through their emotions, they struggle to receive your signs of care, instead releasing signals of anger, fear, and anxiety. Your consistent brain-focused communication helps them develop the self-awareness needed to navigate these challenging emotional states.
Ready to transform your approach to challenging relationships? Try speaking to the brain, not the body, for fourteen consistent days and watch as new pathways of connection begin to form. Your inner voice has the power to create change—both within yourself and those you interact with daily.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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What if everything we thought we knew about children's mental health was incomplete? Dr. Christopher Kevin Slaton introduces a paradigm shift with Human Systems Science—a groundbreaking approach that transforms how we understand and address mental illness in children.
At the heart of this revolutionary framework is a profound realization: children don't simply develop mental illness; they evolve into it based on how they're received into the world. Dr. Slaton challenges the common tendency to blame children for their struggles, instead redirecting our attention to how adults communicate with and respond to them. "When you don't know how to handle a new technology child," he explains, drawing a compelling parallel between children's developing brains and complex systems, "brain, body, senses evolve into a complete performing process loop."
Human Systems Science represents the new frontier in brain talk, examining the complex interactions between brain responses, bodily reactions, and sensory transfers of energy and feelings. This comprehensive approach offers crucial insights for parents, teachers, coaches, and health professionals seeking to detect early signs of mental health challenges by observing children's contact and interaction patterns. The framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of family, education, and community systems, showing how children learn to "live with self, learn with other people, and think with supportive environments."
Perhaps most revolutionary is Dr. Slaton's assertion that "the brain is the body"—a concept that transforms how we communicate with children. Rather than addressing behavior (talking to the body), he advocates speaking directly to the brain in ways that cool, calm, and collect a child's sense of self. "You can't change the state of mind by adding to it with an attitude," he notes, rejecting punitive approaches in favor of genuine connection.
Want to be part of this transformative movement? Join Dr. Slaton at his book signing event on August 2, 2025, and discover how Human Systems Science can create healthier, more self-aware children. Subscribe to the Brain's Body Podcast for more insights that will forever change how you understand and support children's mental health.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.brainsbody.net *Improving Mental Health and Self-Awareness: www.humansystemsscience.com * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com., Barnes&Noble.com * #TheBrainIsTheBody, #ParentLeadership, #ChildDevelopment, [email protected]
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The intersection of mental health and child development has never been more critical than it is today. Dr. Christopher K. Slaton upcoming book on Human Systems Science presents a revolutionary framework that could transform how we approach children's mental health and self-awareness. This comprehensive approach recognizes that a child's development doesn't happen in isolation—it's the product of complex interactions between family systems, educational environments, and community networks.
What makes Human Systems Science so groundbreaking is its focus on the neurological aspects of these interactions. Dr. Slaton emphasizes understanding how a child's brain processes sensory experiences (the "sense path") and how their body responds to neural signals (the "receive path"). This isn't just theoretical—it's deeply practical. When parents learn to communicate with their child's brain rather than just addressing behaviors, they create neural pathways that support healthy development. The mantra "the brain is the body" underscores this unified understanding of child development that moves beyond treating symptoms to addressing root neurological processes.
The framework extends beyond home environments to encompass schools, where teachers can apply these principles to enhance classroom interactions. The educational component of Human Systems Science teaches educators how to create optimal conditions for learning by considering how their communication style impacts students' neural processing. By clearing a child's "sense path" through intentional communication strategies, teachers can dramatically improve educational outcomes. This systems approach recognizes that what happens in the classroom doesn't stay in the classroom—it influences how children function at home and in their communities.
Perhaps most innovative is how the framework incorporates community systems, including coaches and counselors, into a cohesive support structure for children. Dr. Slaton emphasizes that cooperation in neighborhoods and professional settings completes the developmental picture. Through reflective storytelling and crisis management techniques, community members learn to support children's personal, academic, social, and occupational transformations. The book offers practical strategies for health and human services professionals to improve a child's acceptance of help when needed, creating seamless support across all systems a child navigates.
Dr. Slaton book signing event on August 2, 2025, represents more than just a literary milestone—it's the launch of a movement focused on children's mental health and self-awareness. Attendees will gain insights into implementing these principles in their own interactions with children, whether as parents, educators, or community members. The event promises networking opportunities with like-minded individuals committed to children's well-being, along with inspiring success stories that demonstrate the real-world impact of this approach. For those interested in joining this transformative conversation, registration information is available through Dr. Slaton contact channels, and previewing his existing work online will provide valuable context for the event.
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Education and Science: The Brain's Body, Help to Improve Brain, Body, and Sense Events. www.drchristopherkslaton.com *Brain's Body Consults: www.brainsbody.net * Brain Talk: Learning the Brain's Body with Dr. Slaton Live. www.drslatonlive.com Also: Dr. Christopher K Slaton: Amazon.com.
From the publisher's feed
Host by Dr. Christopher K. Slaton
The Brain’s Body Podcast (presented by Brain Talk Books) is an audio companion to Dr. Christopher K. Slaton’s Education and…
Across home, school, neighborhood, and workplace networks, the show focuses on practical ways to support children, families, and professionals—especially when information processing is stressed and a parent or child is in crisis. Episodes include case discussions and listener-driven questions that model Dr. Slaton’s approach: talk to the child’s brain, not the child’s body. From big feelings and conflict to the crisis of self, listeners leave with simple language, reflection prompts, and next-step tools for improving learning, participation, and self-awareness.
Brain Talk Books is a publishing imprint of Progressive Investment Group Press established to disseminate Christopher K. Slaton’s literature in Human Systems Science, with particular attention to brain–body–sense events and their implications for learning, self-regulation, and relational dynamics. Across books and companion media, the imprint advances a structured, practice-oriented framework for interpreting behavioral communication and for supporting parents, educators, and health and human service professionals in applied settings.
Bain Talk Books: By Dr. Christopher K. Slaton
o Slaton, C.K. (2009). Education and Science: How the body lives, how the brain learns, how the human system thinks, and how human systems research responds. A progressive investing perspective. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2010). Education and Science: The information processing age, the learning parent and child in crisis. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2012). Education and Science: Save Our Youth. Help to improve California’s public schools with community-based learning for children, youths, and young adults and human systems science for parents, teachers, and health and human service professionals. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2016). Education and Science: In the best interest of the child. A human systems research investigation for addressing children who come from a family suffering from substance abuse. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2022). Education and Science: The brain’s body. Help to improve brain, body, and sense events. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2024). Brain talk. Learning the brain’s body with Dr. Slaton Live™. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, C.K. (2024). Dr. Slaton Live™: Reflective storytelling. The crisis of self! Understanding brain, body, and sense messaging. Christopher K. Slaton (Progressive Investment Group Press).
o Slaton, CK. (2025). Human Systems Science in the Best Interest of the Child’s Mental Health and Self-Awareness. Featuring Dr. Slaton Live™ The Brain Talker. The New Frontier in Brain Talk. Talk to the Child’s Brain, Not the Child’s Body. The Brain Does That!