New research published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies has found a correlation between the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) faced by rising kindergartners and the severity of disruptive behaviors, anxiety and depression found in this population. Yet the correlation doesn’t hold for academic and social readiness, with those skills remaining on par with peers who had gone through fewer harmful events.
The correlation between a high number of ACEs and disruptive behaviors, add to previous research about the impact of early childhood trauma. The effects can be both short term for preschoolers and longer term for a child’s K-12 pathways and developmental well-being.
The findings point to a need for greater awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention support for young children and their families, particularly those in vulnerable populations.
Source: K-12 Dive
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