The Relationship Between ACEs and Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma is one possible outcome of exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs.

Trauma occurs when a person perceives an event or set of circumstances as extremely frightening, harmful, or threatening - either emotionally, physically, or both. With trauma, a child’s experience of strong negative emotions (eg, terror or helplessness) and physiological symptoms (eg, rapid heartbeat, bed-wetting, stomach aches) may develop soon afterward and continue well beyond their initial exposure

Traumatic Events

12

Physical or sexual abuse

Abandonment

Neglect

The death or loss of a loved one

Life-threatening illness in a caregiver

Witnessing domestic violence

Automobile accidents or other serious accidents

Bullying

Life-threatening health situations and/or painful medical procedures

Witnessing or experiencing community violence (eg: shootings, stabbings, robbery, or fighting at home, in the neighborhood, or at school)

When a child experiences trauma, the brain sends the body into basic “survival mode.” This survival mode, commonly referred to as “fight or flight” actually contains three possible responses: Fight, Flight, or Freeze

When exposed to repeated, chronic trauma, children may get stuck in ‘flight’ and ‘freeze’ modes, which impacts learning and behaviors in the classroom and beyond

Research shows that chronic trauma negatively impacts brain development, the immune system, and the way DNA is read and transcribed These changes can be lifelong but are reversible within positive, buffering relationships

Witnessing police activity or having a close relative incarcerated

Life-threatening natural disasters

Acts or threats of terrorism (viewed in person or via media)

Living in chronically chaotic environments in which housing and financial resources are not consistently available

Learn www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma

- First 1,000 Days Florida

"A child's first 1,000 days are critical. By age 3, a baby's brain has reached 80% of its adult size. The quality of experiences during the first 1,000 days of life establishes either a strong or fragile foundation for everything that follows" “Early childhood development, before birth through age 5, builds the foundation of a child’s brain architecture. But those brain-building years aren’t as they should be for too many children as a result of Adverse Childhood Experiences or other traumatic events By investing in early childhood, we can prevent and mitigate the effect of ACEs and trauma and help build resilience which can change the trajectory of children’s lives. Mothers who have access to consistent prenatal care often have healthier babies Struggling families who receive in-home support build trusting, loving relationships. Children who attend high-quality, early learning environments are ready for school. These kinds of investments benefit not only children and their families in the long run, but our whole community. ”

- Lisa Williams-Taylor, Ph.D. CEO,