ACEs are significant because they can have long-term consequences on the children who experience them. The more ACEs a child endures, the more stress they experience. According to the CDC (2024), growing up with "toxic stress, or extended or prolonged stress, from ACEs can negatively affect children's brain development" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024) among other things.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 9). About adverse childhood experiences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_over-what-are-adverse-childhood-experiences

• 38.5% of people have no ACE

• 23.5% reported one ACE

• 13.4% reported two ACEs

• 8.8% reported three ACEs

• 15.8% reported four or more ACEs

Also, individuals who live in "socially and/or economically disadvantaged contexts" (Madigan, et al., 2018) more are prone to ACEs.

Madigan S, Deneault AA, Racine N, Park J, Thiemann R, Zhu J, Dimitropoulos G, Williamson T, Fearon P, Cénat JM, McDonald S, Devereux C, Neville RD. Adverse childhood experiences: a meta-analysis of prevalence and moderators among half a million adults in 206 studies. World Psychiatry. 2023 Oct;22(3):463-471. doi: 10.1002/wps.21122. PMID: 37713544; PMCID: PMC10503911.

ACE questionnaire is used for adults and also identifies traumatic experiences that an individual may have endured during childhood. The questionnaire consists of 10 questions. It should be used by professional to develop interventions and strategies for those who may need support overcoming the impact of any adverse childhood experiences. The ACEs questionnaire can be found on the site above.

ACEs Aware. (2024). Screening Tools. ACEs Aware. https://www.acesaware.org/learn-about-screening/screening-tools/

• Families experiencing challenges with children who have disabilities

• Incarcerated parents

• Families with a low income

• Children who are isolated from friends and family

• Single parent households

• High crime rates in the community

• Unstable housing

• Limited educational opportunities

The image above is from the PACT Coalition and is described as such, "The roots in the figure above depict the environmental determinants (or risk factors) that increase the risk for an ACE, whereas the leaves represent exposure to ACEs. Treating these upstream factors (the roots) will lead to fewer children experiencing and reporting ACEs (the leaves)" (PACT Coalition, n.d.).

PACT Coalition. (n.d.) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). https://drugfreelasvegas.org/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces/

• Access to quality education

• Safe neighborhoods

• Supportive relationships

• Stable and nurturing home environment

• Access to nutritious food

The image above shows the 5 Protective Factors Framework that is used to help inform parents and caregivers on how they can support and protect their child from negative experiences.

One Place. (2022, April 8). Bringing the Five Protective Factors to Life. One Place. https://www.oneplaceonslow.org/blog/bringing-the-five-protective-factors-to-life/

According to the video, the impact of ACEs on the brain can be seen in three different areas:

• Emotional Centre: ACEs effect the hippocampus due to prolonged release of hormones. The hippocampus is responsible for functions such as managing emotions and processing memories. Possible negative effects are emotional distress and poor emotional regulation. Another area that is affected is the amygdala, which is commonly known for our Fight or Flight response. Chronic and toxic stress can cause hyperactivity or this area of the brain to be underdeveloped. Without a properly functioning amygdala, behaviors such as anxiety and a heighten sense of fear may occur.

• Memory and Learning Centre: ACEs can weaken the connections in the cortex causing a child to have learning difficulties and trouble with skills such as problem solving.

• Control Centre: As described in the video, the control center, also within the cortex, is also responsible for functions such as impulse control, reasoning, and attention. Possible negative effects are impulsivity and reduced attention span.

More information can also be found at the website linked here: https://rb.gy/ylziir

IHDCYH Talks. (2018, November 1). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Impact on brain, body and behaviour. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-8jTTIsJ7Q

Davis, S. (2018, November 19). Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Changes to the Human Brain. CPTSD Foundation. https://cptsdfoundation.org/2018/11/19/adverse-childhood-experiences-and-the-changes-to-the-human-brain/

• More likely to have learning and behavior problems

• Increased issues with attendance

• Higher likelihood of repeating a grade

• More instances of bullying and instances of fighting

More schools are adopting a Trauma Informed approach which in turn is providing teachers with more tools and training for supporting students who have or who are experiencing trauma. Some examples are:

• Teachers should actively engage all students and ensure each student feels seen and heard which promotes a safe and secure environment.

• Teachers should ensure students are connected to the resources that are available to them for things such as health, mental health, and tutoring.

• Trauma informed classrooms ensure that students feel included and valued which means that it is culturally responsive.

• Teachers can include SEL into daily lessons to teach skills that students may be struggling with such as coping skills or emotional regulation.

• Building relationships with students in which they are comfortable enough to be vulnerable will allow for students to connect with teachers and feel comfort in the classroom setting.

Hertz, M. (2020, May 1). Address Adverse Childhood Experiences. ASCA School Counselor, 61(5). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/May-June-2020/Address-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences