What are ACEs?
Here’s some history, but first consider this: If you have been confused about your own or others’ troubling behavior, the ACE study brings into focus a possible explanation. This behavioral science is crucial for teachers to understand the challenging behavior of their students. Read on to learn about the emergence of the Trauma – Informed / Trauma – Responsive education approach. For further details, go to our Relationship Foundation Youtube page, where you will find an extended explanation of the ACE study and how trauma can be mitigated.
The Back Story:
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study is the largest ever investigation of childhood abuse and neglect and household turmoil. The original ACE study was conducted from 1995 to 1997 with over 17,000 participants.
The study identified ten main types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur when we in our early years right up to age 18. ACEs and the associated toxic stress they create are the root causes of some of the most common, serious, and costly health and social challenges facing our society. In fact, ACEs are strongly linked to 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States.
ACEs and School Performance & Behavior
ACEs have a direct impact on childrens’ academic performance. Children with 3 or more ACEs are more likely to have language difficulties, be designated to special education, score lower on standardized tests, and be held back a grade.
In addition, behavioral challenges in children are very often linked to the child having one or more ACE. Children with one or more ACE are more likely than others to face suspension or expulsion due to behavioral difficulties. Additionally, if left unchecked, children who experience ACEs also have the potential to develop risky behaviors.
ACEs cause toxic stress to the nervous system. When a child senses there is danger, which includes not only abuse and family turmoil, but neglect as well. Neglect is actually one of the most damaging of the ACEs. With toxic stress, cortisol and adrenaline are released into the blood stream and affect healthy brain development. In particular, the hippocampus, associated with memory and information retrieval, becomes stunted.
Due to the extreme impact ACEs have on a child’s academic performance, health, and productivity, they are unable to successfully learn. The proclivity of ACEs tend to be replicated and passed down through generations. Therefore, it is imperative that schools and communities become ACE trauma informed and responsive. Too often, children are punished for behaviors and difficulties that are out of their control. With the essential elements of the ACE study and the effect of trauma on a child’s brain architecture, teachers, administrators, and parents would be better informed and thus work to create an atmosphere of safety and stability for the children. The negative consequences of ACEs would be greatly reduced, and children would be able to succeed in their personal and academic lives.