Abstract
This chapter addresses the impact of early childhood adversity on the developing brain and nervous system. The author provides a critical review of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and expands the concept of early adversity to include systemic and environmental stressors and a focus on resilience in addition to potential pathology. Particular focus is given to reviewing contemporary neuroscience research on the influence of negative early life events, including impacts on brain structure, function, connectivity, epigenetic processes, and inflammation. The author identifies overarching findings while also acknowledging limitations of the current science and the difficulties inherent in practitioners' translating primary brain research into school-based interventions. Some ideas for practical applications of the science are provided.
TopBackground
Felitti and colleagues (1998) conducted the original ACE study in collaboration with the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente. The complete list of questions can be found in Table 1.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Resilience: Thriving after adversity.
Neurodevelopment: Development of the brain and nervous system.
ACE-Aware: A public health movement aimed at increasing awareness of the impact of early childhood adversity on physical and mental health and factors that promote resilience.
Neuroeducation: A process of sharing and exploring the relevance of information from the neuroscience field with individuals to support healing and growth.
Toxic Stress: Experiences that are chronic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable.
Sensitive Period: A period in development in which learning is easier and more efficient.
Relational Poverty: An environment absent of predictable, warm, and safe relational connection.