William Bear posted:If you think about the impact of asking a child if they were abused or their parent is mentally ill or chemically dependent. Those can be very difficult questions for a child regardless of their A.C.E. score. First realize the ACE questions were designed for adults to report on their childhood experiences.
Depending on the age of the child they may not know how to understand the question. If the questions are directed towards resiliency deficits then it is easier for a child to understand, It has less stigma and it gives the means to identify children who would benefit from adult supportive relationships even if they do not have current ACEs experience.
Great points, William! As a teacher, I first thought students (high school) should be aware of their ACEs score. Continuing on my learning journey about trauma, I have changed my mind. I do NOT believe the score is as important as the students knowing their brain may have developed a little differently than some of their peer's brains (not in a negative way, just different) if they experienced or are experiencing trauma-related challenges.
Teaching at a 90-day residential drug and alcohol treatment facility for students ages 13-17 for the last 3 years has allowed me to explore even more. I never give the ACE questionnaire to my students, but I do describe how trauma was indicated in the study originally used. My main fear is that my students will turn on a family member or anyone else they may blame for the trauma and of course, this would cause even more trauma. My students have already been through so much, I can't imagine causing more harm!
Currently, I share the study with my students and give VERY general definitions of how the study defined trauma. I've had a few older/mature students research the study and find the questionnaire. When this has happened, I discuss it with the student(s) one-on-one or small group (whoever was curious enough to look up the information and learn more).
I see both sides of this so I thought I would (very briefly) explain using some of my experiences. My goal is to be a supportive adult to each and every one of my students and help them any way I can.