Resilience and protective factors play a crucial role.
Not everyone who has experienced ACEs will have serious problems in life. While ACEs increase the risk of certain health and psychological issues, many children who have gone through difficult childhoods can successfully cope and lead healthy and productive lives with the support of family, community, or professional help.
Genetics, social conditions, personal environment, and life choices also play a significant role.
ACEs are the cause of all mental health and behavioral problems – ACEs can contribute to the risk of mental and health issues, but they are not the only factor.
Myth: Children with ACEs always have obvious behavioral problems.
Reality: Not all children with ACEs display overt behaviors like aggression or defiance. Some may be quiet, withdrawn, or perfectionist, masking their inner struggles (e.g., depression).
Myth: Children with ACEs are unsuccessful students.
Reality: While ACEs can negatively impact academic performance, with appropriate support and interventions, children with ACEs can achieve success in school. They have talents that need to be discovered and creatively nurtured.
Myth: ACEs only affect children from low-income families.
Reality: ACEs can occur in any socioeconomic class. Trauma does not solely affect children from poor families; it can impact children from any background.
Myth: Trauma will heal on its own over time.
Reality: Trauma does not spontaneously disappear; it needs to be integrated and treated with professional support. Without proper emotional and therapeutic assistance, trauma from ACEs can have long-term consequences on physical and mental health.
Myth: The school environment has little effect on children with ACEs.
Reality: A safe, stable, and supportive school environment can significantly reduce the negative impacts of ACEs and help children heal and grow. For many children, school is a key place for restoring stability.