Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are defined as situations that lead to an elevated risk of children and young people experiencing damaging impacts on their health and other social outcomes across the life course.
ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences
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Trauma in Care Experienced Children: Improving Access to Trauma-Informed Care
Care experienced children and young people are much more likely to experience trauma and trauma-related mental health difficulties than their peers. Yet many do not receive timely support or access to treatments that are backed by evidence. Recent research highlights that the challenge is not simply identifying distress but ensuring that care-experienced children can access effective interventions, particularly trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies (TF-CBTs). In this blog, we explore these barriers, as well as what effective trauma-informed care could look like. Blog by Professor Francisco Musich.
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Trauma and Autism: How It Affects Children and Young People
Autistic children and young people are more likely to experience adversity and traumatic events than their non-autistic peers. Yet, trauma is often missed in autism. Why? Professor Francisco Musich explains.
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Trauma: Evidence, Practice, and Implementation Challenges. Jack Tizard International Online Conference
The sessions dive into the practical challenges of identifying and treating trauma in children and young people, with an emphasis on implementation issues, barriers to delivering evidence-based treatments, and work with specific populations. Confirmed speakers; Professor Rachel Hiller, Dr. Jess Richardson, Dr. Connor Kerns, Dr. Stephanie Lewis, and Professor Dr. Elisa Pfeiffer.
- Event type
- Jack Tizard Memorial International Conference
- Location
- LIVE STREAM
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Maltreatment, Trauma-Related Disorders, and Their Interplay with Neurodivergence
Prof Helen Minnis leads a session about the trauma and stressor related disorders of childhood, known as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). These are disorders thought to be ‘caused’ by maltreatment (abuse and neglect). We aim to raise your awareness about RAD & DSED and to enable you with the skills to recognise associated behaviours in children and young people who you work.
- Event type
- Advanced session
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Recovery and Justice following Child Sexual Abuse
Laura Smith, Clinical Lead for ‘The Lighthouse’ the first Barnahus service in England, delivers a talk and Q&A on ‘Recovery and Justice following Child Sexual Abuse: Lessons from the Lighthouse’
- Event type
- ACEs SIG Monthly seminars
- Location
- Online
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Adversity, Protection, and Prevention: Rethinking Childhood Experiences Through New Evidence
Explore how adversity, protection, and prevention shape child and adolescent mental health at this ACAMH expert conference on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Learn evidence-based strategies to reduce risk and build resilience in children and families.
- Event type
- Day Conference
- Location
- LIVE STREAM
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Mentalising with complex clinical presentations in children and families: a systemic and trauma-informed approach
Dr. Emma Morris leads webinar workshop helping clinicians use a mentalizing and systemic approach to assess, formulate, and treat complex trauma in children, young people, and families.
- Event type
- Expert knowledge session
- Location
- LIVE STREAM
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Identifying Mental Health Difficulties in Children Living in Care: Is the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire enough?
This blog, by Dr. Eva Sprecher, shares new findings that suggest current UK practice may not be sufficient for identifying children in care struggling with their mental health – and we suggest what might help improve things.
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Intergenerational Consequences of Racism
Explore intergenerational consequences of racism and its impact on family mental health in this ACAMH expert webinar. Learn how structural racism cascades through generations and how practitioners can respond with trauma‑informed, anti‑racist approaches. Dr. Yasmin Ahmadzadeh leads this session.
- Event type
- ACEs SIG Monthly seminars
- Location
- LIVE STREAM
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Beyond ACEs: When Trauma-Informed Care Misses Neurodivergent Children
Trauma-informed care often overlooks neurodivergence, leading to missed diagnoses and support, as in James’ story. Research shows trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions and adversity frequently co-occur, with “double jeopardy” when both are present. Services must move beyond silos to holistic, person-centred assessment that recognises each child’s unique “make and model.”. Blog by Professor Helen Minnis (pic) and Dr. Ruchika Gajwani.
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