What is ACEs?
ACEs are events that happen during childhood that are potentially traumatic to those who experience them.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a person's experience of emotional distress due to an event or experience in their life.
Types of ACEs?
Abuse- emotional, physical, sexual
Neglect- Emotional, Physical
Household Challenges- Substance use, mental illness (including attempted suicide), divorce or separation, incarceration, intimate partner or domestic violence.
Other Adversity- bullying, community violence, natural disasters, refugee or wartime experiences, witnessing or experiencing acts of terrorism
What impact do ACEs have?
People who have experienced significant Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at greater risk for:
- Developing physical and mental health conditions.
- Having learning challenges that result in lack of education and job potential.-
- Difficulty forming stable and healthy relationships.
Does everyone experience ACEs?
About 64% of adults have experienced at least one type of ACE.
These are some groups more likely to have experienced ACEs:
-People with less than a High School Diploma
- People that make less than $15,000 per year
-People unemployed or unable to work
-Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people
What can caregivers do to Help?
After you recognize the effect of ACEs in your family members lives, it can be hard to know what to do next. Here are some great ways to get started:
Talk to someone: Find a counselor or social worker to help guide your loved one through healing and to teach skills for healthy coping.
Set up Routines: Predictable morning and evening habits can help to reduce stress and anxiety for the whole family!
Connect with your child: Show that you care with your time, your actions, and your words.
Get help working through your own ACEs, if needed: You can break the cycle and model the importance of healing.
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