Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Resilience Coalition of KFL&A (ARC)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially stressful or traumatic experiences that may happen in a person’s life before the age of 18. There are many different types of ACEs, including neglect, abuse, household challenges, discrimination, chronic poverty, exposure to community violence, and systemic racism.

Systemic conditions, including social policies and access to the social determinants of health, affect a person’s risk of ACEs. ACEs are common. In the absence of support, ACEs can increase a person’s risk of negative health and social outcomes across the lifespan.

ACEs can lead to a toxic stress response. This response, caused by excessive and persistent adversity in the absence of a supportive and caring relationship, can overload systems in the brain and body - leading to long term consequences.

Resilience is the capacity to stay well in the face of significant stress or hardship. It is influenced by our genes, relationships with others, life experiences, and environments. Resilience isn’t something we develop alone. It is built through positive interactions, protective factors, and by mitigating toxic stress.

Reducing sources of stress, enhancing skills, and creating supportive environments can further strengthen resilience, especially for those with past adversities. While resilience can be strengthened at any age, the best time to build the basis of resilience is at a young age.

Resilience does not develop in isolation. It is enhanced by connections to family, friends, community and culture.

Positive connections with adults can help foster resilience and can help our ability to weather life’s challenges. Positive Childhood Experiences are protective factors that contribute to healthy development and well-being and can prevent or reduce the effects of adversity.