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). An ACE score is a tally of different types of abuse, neglect, and other hallmarks of a rough childhood. According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for later health problems.
ACEs can be prevented. Our school and the community can respond by practicing trauma-informed, compassionate interventions and by creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Learn more about the Adverse Childhood Experiences study by going to the Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/
To watch a video go to: http://www.samhsa.gov/capt/tools-learning-resources/aces-risk-factors-substance-misuse
To take the ACEs quiz http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean
ACES primer - short video produced by KPJR Films https://vimeo.com/139998006
For current research on child brain development http://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/
