ACEs or adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic things that occur in a child’s life. These experiences occur before a child is eighteen, but they remember them throughout their life. ACEs refer to specific types of trauma children may experience. They include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect, losing a parent such as through divorce, being exposed to domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, having a member of the household who abuses drugs or alcohol, and having a parent who has been in jail. Children living through these experiences may suffer from adverse effects for the rest of their lives. Watch Dr. Nadine Burke Harris's TedTalk
Links to an external site. and answer the following questions:
- How did she describe the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health?
- What did you find surprising, interesting, or unexpected from the video?
- How would you incorporate your new understanding of ACEs in your work with children and families?
HERE IS THE LINK TO LISTEN TO:
https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
Responses to Dr. Nadine Burke Harris's TED Talk on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
1. Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris describes the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health as profound and far-reaching. She explains that ACEs can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and even early mortality. According to her research, children who experience multiple ACEs are at a significantly higher risk for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and substance abuse later in life. This is due to the way ACEs trigger a prolonged stress response in the body, which can affect brain development and overall health. Dr. Burke Harris emphasizes that the physiological effects of trauma can alter a child's brain structure and function, making them more susceptible to various health issues as they grow older.
2. Surprising, Interesting, or Unexpected Insights
One of the most surprising insights from Dr. Burke Harris's talk was the statistical correlation between the number of ACEs a child experiences and their likelihood of developing serious health problems in adulthood. The idea that childhood trauma could result in physical ailments such as heart disease or cancer was unexpected and underscores the importance of addressing mental health and trauma in pediatric care. Additionally, her discussion about the biological mechanisms—such as the role of the stress hormone cortisol—was fascinating. It highlighted how our bodies physically respond to emotional and psychological trauma, which is often overlooked in traditional medical practices.
3. Incorporating Understanding of ACEs in Work with Children and Families
Incorporating my new understanding of ACEs into my work with children and families would involve several key strategies:
- Creating Safe Spaces: I would prioritize creating an environment where children feel safe to express their feelings and experiences without judgment. This includes fostering open communication with both children and their families.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Implementing trauma-informed practices would be essential in my approach. I would educate myself and my colleagues about the signs of trauma and how it can manifest in behavior. This knowledge would help us respond appropriately to children who may be exhibiting signs of distress or behavioral issues.
- Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: I would work closely with mental health professionals to ensure that families have access to necessary resources and support systems. This could involve referrals for therapy or counseling for both children and their parents.
- Education and Awareness: Educating families about ACEs and their potential long-term effects can empower them to recognize these experiences in their lives. Providing resources and information on coping strategies can help mitigate the impact of ACEs.
- Holistic Approach: I would adopt a holistic approach to address not just the physical health needs but also the emotional and psychological needs of children. This could include incorporating activities that promote resilience, such as mindfulness practices or community engagement.
By employing these strategies, I can contribute to breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering healthier outcomes for children and families affected by adverse childhood experiences. Understanding ACEs fundamentally reshapes how we approach child development and health care, emphasizing the need for early interventions that address both emotional and physical well-being.