Understanding ACEs: How childhood trauma can affect us

Childhood experiences play an important role in shaping how we understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us. For some children, early life may include experiences that are stressful, frightening, unpredictable, or emotionally painful. These are often described as Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs.

ACEs can include experiences such as abuse, neglect, family violence, parental separation, substance misuse within the household, significant mental health difficulties in the family, or having a family member involved with the justice system. Broader experiences such as bullying, poverty, discrimination, migration stress, loss, unstable housing, and community violence can also create significant stress for children.

How can childhood trauma affect a child?

When children experience ongoing stress or danger, their brain and body may remain in a heightened state of alert. This is part of the body's natural survival response.

A child may begin to expect that something bad could happen, even when they are currently safe. As a result, they may become anxious, withdrawn, angry, highly independent, controlling, or constantly seeking reassurance.

Childhood trauma can also affect:

• Sleep and concentration

• Emotional regulation

• Self-esteem

• Relationships and trust

• Behaviour at home or school

• Sensitivity to criticism or conflict

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches

These behaviours are not always signs that a child is being “difficult”. Sometimes they are ways a child has learned to protect themselves.

Can ACEs affect us in adulthood?

The effects of childhood adversity can sometimes continue into adulthood.

Adults who experienced significant childhood stress may find it harder to trust others, manage strong emotions, cope with conflict, establish boundaries, or feel secure in relationships. Some people may also experience anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or ongoing physical stress.

However, an ACE score is not a diagnosis, and childhood adversity does not determine a person's future.

Two people can experience similar childhood events and be affected very differently.

Protective relationships matter

Supportive relationships can significantly reduce the impact of childhood adversity.

A caring parent, grandparent, teacher, friend, counsellor, coach, cultural community, or other trusted adult can provide children with an important sense of safety and belonging.

Positive experiences help children learn:

“I am safe.”

“I matter.”

“There are people I can trust.”

Healing is possible

Our brains and nervous systems continue to develop throughout life. With safe relationships, understanding, support, and appropriate therapeutic intervention, people can learn new ways of responding to stress and relationships.

Trauma-informed support looks beyond behaviour. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with you?”, we can ask:

“What happened to you, how has it affected you, and what support do you need now?”

Childhood experiences matter, but they do not have to define the rest of a person's story. With connection, compassion, and appropriate support, healing and growth are possible.