GLOSSARY

ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences

The relationship of TRAUMA in childhood to the occurrence of illness or suffering later in life has been recognized throughout human history.

In 1998, a landmark epidemiologic study (“The ACE’s Study”) was published jointly by the US CDC and Kaiser Permanente.  This very large study documented a DOSE-RESPONSE relationship between 10 types of childhood adversity and later illness or life difficulties.
DOSE-RESPONSE relationship means that more of something (adversity) is a bigger "DOSE" and results in more harm (Dysregulation).

The ACEs Study has been replicated in over 100 subsequent research studies.

Over time, the recognized types of adversity have been expanded to include STRUCTURAL and HISTORICAL TRAUMA and challenges such as experiencing discrimination/racism, poverty, food scarcity, homelessness and more.

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