We can talk about grit, resilience and mindsets all we want. These approaches, while useful in a limited way, operate off a deficit model. There is something wrong in individuals that needs to be fixed -- repaired.  And, there is a built in assumption that those who have high ACEs can return to the status quo ante -- they can bounce back.

But, these are flawed arguments and here's why.  Those with high ACEs are forever changed; they cannot bounce back. (There are neurological reasons among others.)  They can only bounce forward. And, not all the changes are negative; some can be seen and indeed are positives, like hypervigilance  and problem solving skills and courage.  So, the goal is to integrate the past and move forward and that can't happen in isolation or pouring skills into the affected person.

We need to change the institutions (and those within them) who serve individuals with high ACEs. (And the numbers are growing unfortunately.)  We need institutions that understand those whom they serve, and we need these institutions to be ready to help these individuals. This is not a pity party or coddling; this is a pro-active approach that meets people where they are and enables them to thrive through, among other variables, trust, transparency, teaching (not just those with degrees) and reciprocity.  (Lasticity has five essential building blocks with 6 ideas that animate those foundational elements.  See below.) 

The concept of "lasticity" is the subject of a new book titled BREAKAWAY LEARNERS and the word created plays off elastic, plastic and last, existing words obviously  For a quick definition, see www.breakawaylearners.com and the tab labeled "What is Lasticity?".  The book has been published by Columbia TCPress and was just released on April 21, 2017. (Available everywhere.)  

I think lasticity is a concept and process that can and should enter our lexicon. Some people are lactic. Others can learn to be more lactic. It is a concept/process that can be deployed in many situations and in many contexts.  It explains and provides avenues to pursue; it is an active notion, an iterative concept.

Share your thoughts on this concept (under which grit, resiliency and mindsets can fit) and how it can be animated effectively. The book uses concrete examples, has illustrations and a check-list and is developed through real life experiences and in the trenches examples.  And, it speaks loudly to those of us with curdled childhoods. The book is about success.  And it elaborate on a pathway to get there --- for children and adults alike.

I look forward to engaging with all of you as you explore, consider and employ lasticity in your lives and in the work you do with others who have high ACEs.