ACEs and the Impact of Trauma on Kids
At Hope 4 Hurting Kids, we deal with the fall out and impacts a childhood trauma all the time. Much research has been done on childhood trauma, and the most widely know ongoing study is called ACEs for short (Adverse Childhood Experiences). The studies show that these Adverse Childhood Experiences statistically result in all kinds of problems through childhood, adolescence and the adult years. They also show how observant and caring adults in the child’s life can help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains:
Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. As such, early experiences are an important public health issue. Much of the foundational research in this area has been referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Adverse Childhood Experiences have been linked to
- risky health behaviors,
- chronic health conditions,
- low life potential, and
- early death.
As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for these outcomes.
The following video from England was produced by Blackburn with Darwen Council in partnership with Public Health Wales. It tells the story of a young boy who grew up with Adverse Childhood Experiences and the impact that had on his life. The video is based on the ACEs trauma study and various research that has been done on the issue. To find out more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, check out the Centers for Disease Control website and Aces Too High.
