ABSTRACT
Inattention. Lack of interest in school. Withdrawal. Aggression. Hyperactivity. Social Problems. Irrational worry. Lack of perspective taking. Children with ACEs commonly display symptoms that look and sound like familiar mental health diagnoses. They also develop mental health disorders more frequently than children without ACEs. In schools, we regularly work with students who have a mental health diagnosis or symptoms of mental health conditions. For some students, a diagnosis may open doors for additional interventions that lead to positive outcomes. For others, inappropriate diagnoses and subsequent unsuitable medication can lead to worsening symptoms and frustration for children and caregivers.
No matter the diagnosis, we must look deeper. How we address the root of the problem is more important than how we minimize the symptoms.
