By M. Rhonda Sneeringer, Tahoe Daily Tribune, September 25, 2020

We all face challenges and obstacles in life. Some, unfortunately, endure greater or ongoing trauma. Children are especially vulnerable to toxic stresses and traumatic events, and multiple studies show that adverse childhood experiences can have serious consequences on children’s health and well-being into their adult lives.

The first and groundbreaking ACEs study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente between 1995 and 1997. Researchers found that childhood abuse, trauma, and toxic stress — or ACEs — can lead to riskier behaviors, mental illness, substance abuse, heart disease, cancer, or other health issues. The higher the number of traumatic events in childhood, the greater the likelihood of poor health outcomes as an adult.

Why is this? In short, it comes down to brain science. When a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, it activates the brain’s stress response system. This fight-or-flight response may include feelings of anger, fright, insecurity, anxiousness, or intense sadness. This is particularly harmful to a child’s developing brain, especially when trauma reoccurs or is not addressed. ACEs can compromise a child’s brain development, immune system, and cardiovascular system.

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