Adverse Childhood Experiences

What Are ACEs?
Adverse Childhood Experiences include events such as:
● Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
● Neglect
● Household dysfunction (substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, domestic violence, divorce) ACEs can lead to long-term impacts on physical and mental health, learning, and relationships.

1. Preventing ACEs
Prevention starts with strong support systems and safe environments.
Key strategies:
● Strengthen families: Parenting classes, family therapy, home visiting programs (ex: Nurse-Family Partnership)
● Support positive parenting: Teach emotion regulation, nonviolent discipline, and bonding strategies
● Promote economic stability: Access to housing, food, child care, and employment support
● Increase access to early childhood education
● Create safe, nurturing school environments: Implement anti-bullying programs,
trauma-informed teaching

2. Recognizing and Responding to ACEs

● Screening: Pediatricians such as Sima Stein, M.D and mental health providers can use
ACEs questionnaires to assess exposure
● Normalize the conversation: Avoid stigma by framing ACEs as common and treatable
● Train professionals (teachers, counselors, providers) in trauma-informed care

3. Building Resilience

Resilience helps buffer the impact of trauma.
Ways to foster resilience:
● Stable, supportive relationships with caregivers or mentors
● Opportunities for success in school or extracurriculars
● Teaching coping skills: mindfulness, problem-solving, emotion regulation
● Therapeutic support: trauma-focused CBT, play therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing)
● Encourage self-expression through art, writing, or movement
4. Community and Policy-Level Action
● Advocate for trauma-informed schools and clinics
● Support policies that reduce childhood poverty and inequality
● Expand access to mental health services and early intervention programs

ACEs don’t define a child’s future. With the right support, intervention, and
resilience-building, children can heal and thrive. The key is recognizing trauma early and responding with compassion, consistency, and connection. Talk to your pediatrician today if you are concerned about potential ACEs in your child and how to approach them. Call or book
 online with board certified pediatrician Sima Stein for further information and help.