The ACEs screening tool and initiative to address childhood trauma is a small step in a long history of pediatric research and programs on understanding how children thrive, and how we can support them.
This month's article focuses on the powerful impact of positive parenting in decreasing the risk of childhood developmental, social or behavioral delays.
Pediatric Perspectives: Identifying ACEs
Identifying Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to Prevent Chronic Health Conditions
By Dr. Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, Committees on Development and Behavior and School Health
Pediatricians are often the first to identify stressors in families that impede their ability to provide the supportive environment that children need to thrive. Yet, we are frequently overwhelmed with the idea of trying to intervene, especially when we are so busy delivering the health care that is required in the short time available in each appointment. However, we should take a step back and think about how we can make a long term impact upon the children in our practice by identifying ACEs early, before they can cause long term health consequences through physiological mechanisms such as the Toxic Stress Response. Our chapter’s ACEs Aware project has been working all year to convey these messages to AAP Chapter members, and celebrated our work together.
Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
President: Nelson Branco • Vice President: Nicole Webb
• Secretary: Janice Kim • Treasurer: Nivedita More • Past President: Raelene Walker
