New Learning Series:
How Adversity & Trauma Affects Children's Development
Each week I will share information about Childhood Adversity, Trauma, and Brain Development. If you are interested, look for this series of posts and let me know what you think! The great news is we can make changes now that will positively change our children's health in the future!
Part 1: What Is Adversity?
Adverse Childhood Experiences are highly stressful and potentially traumatic events or situations that occur during childhood and/or adolescence.
It can be a single event, prolonged threats to a young person's safety, security, trust or body. In these situations children attempt to make sense of their experiences, establish a sense of safety and control and survive
Part 2: What Kinds Of Experiences Are Adverse? How Common Are ACES?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are highly stressful and potentially traumatic events or situations that occur during childhood and/or adolescence. These events can be:
- Maltreatment
- Violence and Coercion
- Adjustment
- Prejudice
- Household or Family Adversity
- Inhuman Treatment
- Adult Responsibilities
- Bereavement & Survivorship
Take a look at the chart below to understand more about what these adverse experiences are and how common they are in our society.
PART 3: Toxic Stress Can Cause Health Problems
ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are serious childhood traumas that can result in toxic stress. Prolonged exposure to ACEs can create toxic stress, which can damage the developing brain and body of children and affect overall health. Toxic stress may prevent a child from learning or playing in a healthy way with other children, and can cause long-term health problems, see infographic below for more information!
Part 4: Parents and Caregivers Can Help!
There are things we can all do to help our children who have been impacted by Childhood Trauma!
- Help our kiddo's identify how they feel, express their feelings and manage emotions.
- Create safe physical and emotional environments.
- Understand and work to prevent/respond to ACE's.
Parents, would you like to learn more? Check out the Ted Talk: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime by Nadine Burke Harris, MD