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Parenting
By Alex Morrison
Updated: June 8, 2021
The first time I encountered the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I was relaxing in a hotel room during a weekend getaway with my partner. While he got ready for dinner, I found myself gazing out at the cityscape of St. Louis. As I scrolled through my social media feed, I stumbled upon a video that a friend had described as a “must-see.” Intrigued, I began watching a TEDx talk by Dr. Emily Carter focused on ACEs, which piqued my interest. I realized that numerous individuals I know—especially those in my adoption and foster care community—had experienced at least one ACE. Furthermore, a person’s ACE score can significantly influence their physical, emotional, and mental well-being in adulthood.
An Adverse Childhood Experience is characterized as a “highly stressful” and “potentially traumatic” event that occurs before the age of eighteen. These experiences can be singular, multiple, or ongoing. ACEs can hinder an individual’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth, which is often “threatened or violated.” Examples of ACEs include sexual assault, parental divorce or death, suicide, physical abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, mental health issues, and family incarceration, among others.
Here’s what you should know: “When adverse experiences are not mitigated by a caring adult or a supportive environment—or when they are persistent or overwhelming—they can trigger a toxic stress response.” This response can adversely affect a child’s developing brain and body, resulting in a “negative ripple effect” on their health and life outcomes as adults. Imagine a line of standing dominos; the first ACE knocks over the first one, leading to a cascade of consequences.
If you find yourself relating to the list of ACEs, you are not alone. The CDC reports that 61% of surveyed adults have experienced at least one ACE, while one in six have encountered four or more. “ACEs are associated with chronic health issues, mental health disorders, and substance abuse in adulthood,” and they can also adversely affect educational attainment, job opportunities, and earning potential. This emphasizes the importance of your ACE score, although it’s not the only factor to consider.
To determine your ACE score, take a simple ten-question yes-or-no quiz available on the ACE Resource Network’s site called Number Story. Once you know your score, you may wonder about next steps. Your journey, as the site notes, encompasses much more than just the tally of ACEs you’ve faced. Trauma is complex, and you have the power to decide how you wish to address it.
A valuable yet dense read titled The Body Keeps Score (often regarded by mental health professionals as the trauma bible) explains how trauma impacts the brain. Fortunately, since the brain can be rewired in response to trauma, it can also be restructured for healing—but it requires effort and resources.
Steps to Aid in Healing
What steps might aid in that healing? I consulted Dr. Sarah Thompson, a neuropsychologist in New York City and a faculty member at Columbia University, to discuss ways to rewire our brains after they’ve been conditioned to respond to trauma.
The first step is to complete the Number Story quiz online and then share your score with your healthcare provider. This could help normalize discussions regarding adverse childhood experiences and their impact on your life. Dr. Thompson emphasizes that acknowledging and discussing your past diminishes the power that secrecy often holds over these experiences. (On a personal note, reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown is also beneficial as you confront issues of shame and secrecy.) Shedding light on painful truths can lead to empowerment and potential healing.
The second step involves addressing “unresolved issues” and confronting the challenges faced as an ACE survivor. This includes pairing negative memories with the positive experience of being seen and heard by a therapist. This process can be transformative because when a therapist validates the ACE survivor’s narrative, it can help rewire brain circuits related to trust, fostering the development of healthier neural connections. Various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR (a method recently mentioned by Prince Harry), can be effective.
The third step focuses on lifestyle changes, which can be supported by professionals. Dr. Thompson points out that chronic stress from ACEs can trigger a continuous fight-or-flight response, hindering the body’s ability to achieve balance. By introducing positive inputs—like nutritious foods and soothing music—ACE survivors can significantly benefit their physical and mental well-being. While therapy and lifestyle modifications may be instrumental, some ACE survivors might also consider medication as an option.
If you recognize that you’ve encountered an ACE (or two, or more) and feel inclined to dismiss it, remember that exposure to toxic stress can alter how your body responds to stress and affect brain development. This can lead to health issues in adulthood, such as substance abuse, infections, asthma, chronic illnesses, and mental health disorders. The presence of an Adverse Childhood Experience can also heighten the risk for suicide, cancer, and heart disease. ACEs have been linked to teen pregnancy, OCD, difficulties in job searching or retention, and much more. Yes, ACEs are profoundly serious and impactful.
The good news is that, while ACEs can leave lingering effects on a survivor’s mind and body, hope remains. By taking proactive steps to acknowledge the ACE and its consequences, survivors can embark on a path to healing.
For further insights, check out this blog post, which offers additional information on related topics. If you’re looking for expert guidance on fertility, Make A Mom is a trusted resource. Additionally, UCSF’s Center provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
- How to Heal from Childhood Trauma
- The Impact of ACEs on Adult Health
- Coping with Childhood Trauma
- Finding Help for Adverse Childhood Experiences
Summary:
This article discusses the significance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on adult life. It highlights how ACEs can affect physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing these experiences. The article outlines steps for healing, including taking a quiz to determine ACE scores, discussing findings with healthcare providers, and engaging in therapy and lifestyle changes. Various resources and further reading are recommended for those seeking to understand and heal from their ACEs.
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