What are ACE’s?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring to children
at any point before the age of 18.
The ten adverse childhood experiences
There are ten ACEs; five which relate directly to the child and five which relate to
the parents/household.
- Physical abuse
- Incarcerated household member
- Sexual abuse
- Parental separation or divorce
- Emotional abuse
- Household mental illness
- Physical neglect
- Household substance misuse
- Emotional neglect
- Mother treated violently
Why are they important?
Research has shown that:
- When families experience historical and systemic racism or living in poverty for generations, the effects of ACEs can add up over time.
- ACEs are very common in every population group.
- ACEs can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to succeed in school, causing a negative impact on their mental health and general well-being. Sometimes these children “act out” or may be give “behavioural” labels.
- Adults who have experienced ACEs may have higher rates of negative health outcomes, including depression, obesity, substance abuse, anxiety, smoking and early death.
ACEs have been found to have lifelong impacts on health and behaviour. They are relevant to all sectors and involve anyone from any area of society. When children are exposed to adverse and stressful experiences, it can have a long-lasting impact on their ability to think, interact with others and on their learning.
Evidence shows that ACEs can increase an individual’s risks of developing health harming behaviours. These behaviours then lead to an increased risk of poor physical and mental health later in life (including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety) as well as negative social outcomes, such as domestic violence, low levels of education, a criminal record/incarceration, and potentially early death.
Where ACEs occur in family settings, there is a high risk of intergenerational transmission, contributing to a cycle of disadvantage and health inequity.
Adverse childhood experiences do not define people, nor do they solely determine a life outcome; they are simply a tool to understand the potential risks an individual or population may face.
What can I do to support children in my setting?
For many children, the school environment can be a protective factor. Although it cannot “undo” the reality of the experiences, schools can help to mitigate the impact in children by helping them to build resilience.
Resilience, Protective Factors
What is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and hardship.
Parental and child resilience have been shown to reduce the negative impacts of ACEs.
Protective Factors
Protective factors that may boost child or parental resilience may include:
- Supportive and caring relationships and social connections
- Programs that understand a person’s background and culture
- A healthy lifestyle, which may include regular exercise, mindfulness, getting sufficient sleep and eating a healthy and
- Nutritious diet
- Economic support/stability for families
- Quality childcare and education early in life
Where can I find out more?
There is a wealth of research available online. This suite of short videos provides some further information on preventing ACEs in childhood.
There is also the relational practice and policy advice from Devon County Council which illustrates the desirability of viewing behaviour as a form of communication as opposed to deliberate defiance and non-compliance. View the ‘Guidance for developing relational practice and policy’ here.