Τorey Hayden is an accomplished American author, born on May 21, 1951, in Livingston, Montana. She is celebrated for her non-fiction books that delve into child psychology, drawing from her personal experiences as a child psychologist, special education teacher, and university lecturer. Her work primarily focuses on traumatized children, addressing a range of issues such as autism, Tourette syndrome, sexual abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, and her specialty, selective mutism (formerly known as elective mutism).
Hayden's journey in the field of child psychology and education is not only extensive but also deeply personal. After graduating high school in Billings, Montana, in 1969, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Her career trajectory took a significant turn when she started working with children with special needs, which led to her writing about her experiences in bestselling books. In 1980, Hayden relocated to Wales, where she later got married to a Scottish man named Ken in 1982. Their daughter, Sheena, was born in 1985. The couple has since divorced.
In addition to her non-fiction works, Hayden has also authored three fiction books. Her commitment to the field of child psychology and education is unwavering, as she continues to reside and write in North Wales. Her personal and professional experiences provide a unique perspective, making her books both informative and compelling. Through her work, Hayden has shed light on the challenges and triumphs of working with children who face significant psychological and emotional hurdles, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape and the world of child psychology.