ABSTRACT
In this chapter, four key reasons are discussed as to why the ACEs framework should be used with caution. These being:
The narrow focus of the original, landmark ACEs study
The pathologization of early adversity
The ACEs scores used as part of the framework
ACEs are not destiny – why we are not defined by our trauma.
As part of this ultimate point, the brain’s life-long plasticity and the impact of positive influences on brain development are examined.