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Q. How do I overcome having a high ACE score? A. Having a high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score
– or any ACE score for that matter – is only one component of understanding how childhood adversity may affect us. Second, ACE scores are not “apples and apples.” I may have an ACE score of two, and you may have a score of five. Yet, how I experienced my two ACEs has resulted in more significant negative health and/or social outcomes than how you experienced your five ACEs. The key word is experienced. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study is rock-solid, data driven, deep research that is sweeping the nation and changing how we think of ourselves and those around us. It is probably the largest public health study ever, and its implications will result in elevating the well-being and futures of our children and families. How the human brain develops is heavily influenced by what we experience. The ACE Study shows us that abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction can result in toxic stress, which is when the stress response system (primarily the hormones/chemicals cortisol and adrenaline) is activated frequently or prolonged. These chemicals can actually become toxic in a child’s brain. And when they do, they can impair proper brain development, which may result in serious negative health and social outcomes throughout one’s lifetime. They may result – not necessarily do. Adversity is not destiny. Which is why my two ACEs may hurt me more than your five. The most powerful component in dealing with ACEs (no matter the score) is a healthy, consistent, nurturing adult relationship. That is what we all need to be for all of our children. If you’re an adult, pretty much the same thing…it’s all about healthy relationships. Yes, your ACE score may have had negative effects on your physical and social health. What do you do? Find your ACE score (www.WhatsYourACEscore.com), then find your Resilience score (www.elevatemontana.org/resiliencetest/). Learn about ACES and resilience, not just your scores. Next, find a trusted person you can talk with. Forgiveness is a huge component. Let the blame and shame melt away. Learn about mindfulness. Consider this book: Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal by Donna Jackson.
HAVE A QUESTION?
coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org We cannot guarantee all questions will be published; however, we will do our best to respond to all questions submitted.
3000
The number of different bacteria on every dollar bill you touch. www.funfactz.com
3
The number of ounces a human hair can support. www.funfactz.com
15
The number of minutes a Crayola crayon will burn for when used as a candle. www.funfactz.com
2740
The number of years it would take to go broke if you had $1 billion and spent $1000 every day. www.funfactz.com
70
The number of straight days the longest game of Monopoly lasted. www.funfactz.com
576
The number of megapixels the human eye would have if it were a digital camera. www.funfactz.com
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December 2016
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YC MAGAZINE
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youthconnectionscoalition.org