Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan, including those associated with substance misuse.

Intersectionality with Brain Injury

  • Some ACEs (i.e. child abuse) can cause Brain injury. Sustaining a brain injury in childhood or living with someone with a brain injury may also be experienced as an ACE. Brain changes from toxic stress/ACEs can lead to risky behaviors, increasing the risk of TBI later in life. ACEs can also lead to neurological decline later in life.

The relationship between Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) in childhood and good mental health in adults is dose-responsive; the more PCEs a child gets, the better their adult mental health is likely to be.

Infographic

Brain Injury & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

BEST PRACTICE: Providers across systems should:
SCREEN for prior history of Brain Injury
ASSESS Cognitive & Functional Impairment
EDUCATE staff on Brain Injury
EDUCATE the person about their Brain Injury
PROVIDE and TEACH Accommodations
CONNECT person served with Community Resources

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Video

Recording_Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

September 8, 2023: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan, including those associated with substance misuse.

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PowerPoint

ACEs and Improving Child Well Being

PowerPoint slides from a presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and strategies for improving child well-being, delivered by Melissa McGee, Children’s Mental Health Advocacy Director at the Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth, on March 2, 2023.

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ACEs Resource Pages_TBF 2023

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Opportunities for Improving Child Development Outcomes

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ACEs – TBF Resources Pages_txt

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan, including those associated with substance misuse.

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Article

ACEs/PCEs Information & Resources

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