02/02/2021
ACES // Adverse Childhood Experiences
WHAT ARE ACES?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful and potentially traumatic experiences during childhood that can have negative impacts and lasting effects on health, behaviour and wellbeing. Some of the most common forms of ACEs include exposure to childhood maltreatment, maladaptive parenting practices (such as harsh discipline), substance abuse, neglect, divorce and family dysfunction.
HOW PREVALENT ARE THEY?
Evidence from population-based studies found that 40-60% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and a quarter of adults have had at least three such experiences.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TEACHERS?
These children may enter the classroom believing that the world is an unpredictable and threatening place, and that the adults in their lives cannot be trusted.
A recent study showed that students with more than 3 ACEs are 32 times more likely to struggle in school, while 48% reported low engagement, 49% had difficulty finishing tasks and 44% had trouble staying calm in the classroom.
“When you put a kid who had experienced adversity in an MRI machine, you could see measurable changes to the brain structures” - Dr Nadine Burke Harris.
Teachers can use their expertise more effectively when they understand the academic, social, behavioural and emotional issues that traumatised children face such as extreme irritability, an overactive stress response, learning difficulties, behavioural disorders, failing to understand direction, anti-social behaviour, lack of emotional regulation and misreading context.
SEVEN WAYS TO SUPPORT THESE CHILDREN:
1. Adopt a trauma-informed approach.
2. Create a positive school climate where secure attachments between teachers and students are prioritised.
3. Incorporate practices that address belonging and safety.
4. Implement one-on-one time each day with these students (micro moments of connection).
5. Create “safe” or “time-in” corners in classrooms where children have a space to take a break.
6. Be predictable and consistent.
7. Focus on connection before correction and remove exclusionary and disciplinary practices.
