ACE & Trauma Education
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Learn how ACEs and trauma shape lives and communities
The ACE & Trauma Education page offers resources that explain the connections between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and their effects on individuals and communities. Here you’ll find educational guides, research summaries, and training materials that make complex science accessible to planners, designers, and the public. This section is meant to build shared understanding and awareness, helping communities see why trauma-informed systems and environments are essential. Visit often or subscribe below to stay updated as new materials are added.
If you find any of this information triggering or overwhelming, please visit our Support Page for resources and guidance.
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ACEs 101: What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that happen before the age of 18. They can include direct experiences of abuse and neglect as well as disruptions within the household or community that undermine a child’s sense of safety, stability, and care.
The 1995-1997 CDC–Kaiser Permanente ACE Study surveyed over 17,000 adults and revealed a powerful connection between early adversity and later health outcomes.
The study defined core ACEs, which are grouped into three main categories- abuse, neglect, and household challenges:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Substance use in the household
- Mental illness in the household
- Incarcerated household member
- Witnessing domestic violence
- Parental separation or divorce
- Frequent relocations
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ACEs 101: Understanding the Impact of ACEs
Why ACEs Matter
Health Risks – The higher a person’s ACE score, the greater their risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and early mortality.
Mental Health & Behavior – ACEs are linked to increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, risky behaviors, and suicide.
Community Impact – ACEs don’t just affect individuals; they can ripple through families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities, contributing to cycles of trauma and disadvantage.
ACEs Are Not Destiny
While the risks of ACEs are real, resilience factors can buffer their impact. Supportive adult relationships, stable housing, trauma-informed healthcare, access to nature, safe schools, and strong community networks all play a role in healing. Trauma-informed approaches aim to transform systems so that they recognize trauma, reduce retraumatization, and foster recovery.
The ACE Score
An ACE score is the total number of categories of adversity experienced before age 18 (ranging from 0–10).
It’s important to remember:
- The score is not a diagnostic tool.
- A higher score increases risk but doesn’t determine outcomes.
- Protective factors, therapy, safe environments, and supportive communities can significantly reduce risks and promote resilience.
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ACEs 101: Learn More About ACEs
CDC – ACEs Information
cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces
Comprehensive overview of ACE research, prevention strategies, and resilience.
ACEs Too High
News, plain-language explanations, and real-world examples of ACE science in action.
ACEs Aware (California Initiative)
Educational and clinical resources for understanding, screening, and responding to ACEs.
Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Toxic Stress
developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/toxic-stress
Science-based resources on how early adversity affects brain development and lifelong health.
SAMHSA – Child Trauma Resources
Federal resources for trauma-informed care and systems-level responses to childhood adversity.
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Trauma 101: What is Trauma?
Trauma is not just an event, it is the lasting impact that overwhelming stress or harm has on a person’s body, brain, and sense of safety. Understanding trauma and how it affects individuals and communities is the foundation for building systems, services, and environments that support healing.
Trauma refers to emotional, physical, or psychological harm caused by distressing or threatening experiences. Trauma can be:
- Acute Trauma: A single overwhelming event (e.g., accident, assault, natural disaster).
- Chronic Trauma: Repeated, ongoing exposure to harmful experiences (e.g., abuse, neglect, bullying, domestic violence).
- Complex Trauma: Multiple, layered traumas, often interpersonal, that occur over time and disrupt development and relationships.
- Historical & Collective Trauma : Wounds experienced by entire groups across generations (e.g., colonization, systemic racism, war, displacement).
Trauma affects the nervous system, brain development, and stress response - leading to increased risk for heightened reactivity, difficulty regulating emotions, and long-term health consequences.
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Trauma 101: What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in health and social services that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to avoid re-traumatization while fostering safety and empowerment.
The 6 Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (SAMHSA):
- Safety: Creating physical, emotional, and cultural safety.
- Trustworthiness & Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and consistency.
- Peer Support: Centering the value of lived experience and shared recovery.
- Collaboration & Mutuality: Reducing power imbalances between providers and clients.
- Empowerment, Voice & Choice: Supporting autonomy and strengths.
- Cultural, Historical & Gender Issues: Recognizing systemic inequities and honoring cultural context.
Trauma-informed care shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you, and how can we support your healing?”
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Trauma 101: Translating Trauma-Informed Care into Trauma-Informed Planning & Design
Trauma-Informed Design applies these same principles to the built environment, recognizing that spaces can harm or heal. Just like healthcare and education, design can be an intervention.
Core Elements of Trauma-Informed Design:
- Safety: Well-lit, predictable, and accessible spaces reduce anxiety.
- Control & Choice: Flexible environments allow people to choose how they engage.
- Calm & Regulation: Natural light, green space, sound buffering, and biophilic design help regulate the nervous system.
- Connection: Spaces that encourage healthy social interaction foster belonging.
- Equity & Inclusion: Design that reflects cultural values and addresses systemic disparities.
- Healing Aesthetics: Warm colors, natural textures, and art can promote comfort and resilience.
Trauma-informed design is being applied in schools, clinics, public spaces, housing, and neighborhoods to create environments that support recovery, resilience, and justice.
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Trauma 101: Learn More
SAMHSA – Trauma and Violence Resources
National overview of trauma and trauma-informed care practices.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Resources on child trauma, resilience, and trauma-informed systems.
Trauma Research Foundation
Founded by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score), with training and resources on trauma healing.
Trauma-Informed Design Society
Community of practitioners advancing trauma-informed approaches to architecture, planning, and design.
Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS)
An innovative nonprofit using architecture and community planning to address trauma, incarceration, and inequity.