ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES)
Difficult, stressful events early in life can make a dramatic impact on a student’s future. Such occurrences are referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Our district has invested in educating ourselves on the impact of ACEs as they can influence student behavior & achievement.
ACEs can appear in the classroom through student behavior. It is not uncommon for teachers to tell parents their child seems to be in a daze, not paying attention.
Many of these students are mislabeled as having ADHD because children affected by adverse experiences may be impulsive, act out with anger or other strong emotions.
A common outcome from trauma is difficulty in regulating emotions. This is what can cause students to become disruptive in the classroom, resulting in a counselor or principal referral.
Understanding this can be of benefit for caregivers & staff.