ACEs Reflection

In this assignment, students will be introduced to the groundbreaking ACEs study and how it relates to crisis across the lifespan. Students will also reflect on their own ACEs and resiliency scores and how these factors could impact their work in the area of crisis response.

Watch the following talk given by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and review the attached infographics:

https://youtu.be/uXXTLf7oouU

• In your own words, summarize the ACEs study and why it is important (5-7 sentences).
• What is your reaction to this information? What surprised you? Please cite specific examples (5-7 sentences).

Now that you know about ACEs, please review the ACE survey below. You do not need to disclose the answers to each question—please enter your total score:

Prior to my 18th birthday:

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? or Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt? 
2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? or ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever… Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? or attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
4. Did you often or very often feel that … No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? or Your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other? 
5. Did you often or very often feel that … You didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you? or Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?
6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?
7. Was your mother or stepmother: Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her? or sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? or ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife? 
8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs? 
9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?  
10. Did a household member go to prison?

Now add up your “yes” answers: _1____ This is your ACE Score: __1__

Now that you know about ACE study, please reflect on the below questions as they relate to crisis intervention (total response length 3-4 paragraphs total). Your responses should incorporate concepts and information from course materials. Remember—if it is not your original idea—you need a citation!  

• Why do you think human service professionals should learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
• How can ACEs be a helpful “lens” to view clients’ actions?
• Why do you think a history of adverse experiences in childhood might continue to cause problems for a person throughout their lifespan?
• Why do you think adverse experiences increase the risk for so many types of problems?
• How does knowing what you now know about ACEs change the way you may look at a client?
• How do you think ACEs in childhood may impact an adult experiencing a crisis?
• How will this information change the way you respond to people experiencing a crisis?