AUTISM
AND WE
SPOTLIGHT
WHAT ARE ACESs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
STATS
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1 in 6 adults experienced four or more types of ACEs.
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At least 5 of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs.
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Preventing ACEs could reduce the number of adults with depression by as much as 44%.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is a framework that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma — not just finite types or instances of abusive acts — and seeks to create environments and tools that promote healing and resilience. It’s not a specific set of procedures, but rather a paradigm shift in how care is provided across various settings, including health care, social services, and law enforcement.
RESOURCES
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE IMPLEMENTATION RESOURCE CENTER https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/resources-for-becoming-trauma-informed/
CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE Trauma-Informed Care Resources Guide
https://institute.crisisprevention.com/UK-IR-GEN-Trauma-Informed-Care/
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 23). Adverse childhood experiences (aces). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/index.html
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented.
Preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive and potentially:
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Lower risk for conditions like depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes in adulthood.
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Reduce risky behaviors like smoking and heavy drinking.
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Improve education and employment potential.
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Stop ACEs from being passed from one generation to the next.
THE WAY FORWARD
Healthcare Providers Can:
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Anticipate and recognize current risk for ACEs in children and history of ACEs in adults. Refer patients to effective services and support.
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Link adults to family-centered treatment approaches that include substance abuse treatment and parenting interventions.
Employers Can:
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Adopt and support family-friendly policies, such as paid family leave and flexible work schedules.
States and Communities Can:
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Improve access to high-quality childcare by expanding eligibility, activities offered, and family involvement.
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Use effective social and economic supports that address financial hardship and other conditions that put families at risk for ACEs.
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Enhance connections to caring adults and increase parents’ and youth skills to manage emotions and conflicts using approaches in schools and other settings.
Everyone Can:
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Recognize challenges that families face and offer support and encouragement to reduce stress.
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Support community programs and policies that provide safe and healthy conditions for all children and families. Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence