Source: CHOC

Childhood should be a time of safety, growth, and discovery—but for many children, it’s marked by trauma, instability, or neglect. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse, household dysfunction, and other forms of toxic stress, can leave lasting imprints on a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

As research continues to reveal the deep and long-term impact of ACEs on health and behavior, it becomes increasingly clear that early intervention and trauma-informed care are essential. Here, Dr. Sheila Modir, pediatric psychologist with Rady Children’s, discusses how caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals can recognize the signs of trauma, understand its effects, and provide the support children need to heal and thrive.