Aversive Childhood Disorder

Adverse Childhood Experience?

 Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs are experiences such as neglect, abuse, and other traumatic events that individuals experience in childhood. Traumatic early life events can have a strong and enduring effect lasting throughout adulthood. Over 45% of children have been affected by ACEs. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 out of 6 adults experience 4 or more ACEs. Traumatic experiences are linked to major illnesses and social problems. These include depression, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Over the past decades the interest in ACES has increased drastically. 

Type of ACEs

Abuse

  • Physical Abuse
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse

Neglect

  • Physical Neglect
  • Emotional Neglect

Household Dysfunction

  • Mental Illness
  • Domestic Violence
  • Divorce
  • Substance Abuse
  • Incarcerated Relative 

Types of Trauma

Acute

Single Traumatic Event
Acute trauma can cause extreme emotional destress. Acute trauma includes:
  • Car Accidents
  • Assault 
  • Witness to Violence 

 Chronic

Multiple Traumatic Events
Chronic trauma occurs over a period of time. Chronic trauma includes:
  • Bullying
  • Domestic Violence
  • Child Abuse

Complex

Multiple Repetitive Traumatic Events 
 Complex trauma occurs at a developmentally sensitive time in life often in early childhood. Complex trauma includes:
  • Homelessness
  • Prolonged Neglect
  • Prisoner in War Camps

Historical or Intergenerational Trauma

Multigenerational Trauma Experienced by a Single Group
Trauma that is experienced in the past can affect individuals in the present day. This form of trauma is being passed through generations. Historical or intergenerational Trauma includes:
  • Oppression
  • Imprisonment 
  • Displacement
  • Genocide

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma can affect people in different ways. Trauma therapy can help to overcome emotional and mental consequences of a traumatic experiences. It is extremely important that individuals that have experienced trauma find appropriate way to cope.

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