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Faculty Advisors

Myrita Wilhite, PhD, AuD, CCC-A

Description

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be defined as possible early childhood traumatic and stressful events that could result from a variety of sources including abuse, neglect, toxic stress, or household dysfunction. The original ACE study described ten ACEs. In the United States, 34.8 million children are estimated to have been exposed to more than one adverse childhood experience. ACEs have been studied by several healthcare professionals. However, there is very little work investigating ACEs in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD; Speech and Hearing) literature. This study sought to explore the impact of ACEs on communication development, and behavior, and whether or not culturally and linguistically diverse children are at higher risk of experiencing ACEs. It was conducted using a systematic review of the literature of over 40 articles. It was concluded that while ACEs occur in all tiers of society, culturally and linguistically diverse children do appear to be at a higher risk of experiencing ACEs. ACEs are also associated with emotional problems such as depression and anxiety as well as aggression and bullying. Children who experience ACEs are at a higher risk of social language delay and reduced vocabulary development. Additional research is needed to understand how to help clients who have experienced ACEs and are being treated for a communication disorder.

Publication Date

2024

College

College of Health

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Publication

This item is part of the McNair Scholars Program.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Child Development and Communication: A Systematic Review of the Literature

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