Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Question 1

Review the implications of ACEs has on health

(adverse childhood experience)

Answer 1

Before age 18.
Abuse, neglect, household dysfunction

-leading causes of death like heart disease and cancer

-chornic health conditions

-mental health conditions and substance abuse

-health risk behaviors

-social outcomes

Question 2

Childs developing brain (ACE)
Nucleus acumbens?
Prefrontal cortex?
Amygdala?

Answer 2

Nucleus acumbens- Pleasure/Reward
(substance abuse)

Prefrontal cortex- Impulse control/executive function (learning)

Amygdala -Fear response

Question 3

Thriving despite aces (resilience)

Answer 3

Adversity is only one part of the equation

No individual child is automatically doomed in the face of ACEs.

A person’s own characteristics such as problem-solving ability, self-efficacy, optimism, and autonomy may be protective factors.

Protective factors also include characteristics of the family and community.

Question 4

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) result when a child feels safe and supported by their family

Examples of PCEs include:

Answer 4

Ability to talk openly to a family member about feelings

Feeling heard, accepted and supported by the family

Belief that family stood by them during difficult times

Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home

Adults who report high number of PCEs have 73% lower levels of depression and other psychiatric mental health conditions.

Friends and communities can be sources of PCEs as well.