ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes knowledge from developmental psychology to broaden the focus of the implications of ACEs on mental health status. The life course health development perspective taken enhances understanding of the outcomes of adverse childhood experiences and points to the need to include an accounting for the effects of cumulative adversity on the individual, the family as well as many societal structures. Included is ACEs prevalence data through developmental periods along with examples of challenging behaviors and social functioning outcomes that present themselves during each developmental phase. Prevalent mental health diagnoses linked with behaviors and symptoms are included. Finally, disparities in ACE exposure along racial, ethnic, and economic lines with implications for those affected are highlighted.
