Childhood trauma is often described as serious adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).[1] Children may go through a range of experiences that classify as psychological trauma; these might include neglect,[2] abandonment,[2] sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse.[2] They may also witness abuse of a sibling or parent, or have a mentally ill parent. These events can have profound psychological, physiological, and sociological impacts leading to lasting negative effects on health and well-being. These events may include antisocial behaviors, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sleep disturbances.[3] Additionally, children whose mothers have experienced traumatic or stressful events during pregnancy have an increased risk of mental health disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders.[3]
Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1998 study on adverse childhood experiences found that traumatic experiences during childhood are a root cause of many social, emotional, and cognitive impairments. These impairments can lead to increased risk of unhealthy self-destructive behaviors,[2] risk of violence or re-victimization, chronic health conditions, low life potential and premature mortality. As the number of adverse experiences increases, the risk of problems from childhood through adulthood also rises.[4] Nearly 30 years of research following the initial study has confirmed these findings. Many states, health providers, and other groups now routinely screen parents and children for ACEs.