By Michael Ortoll, Founder of the Christine Ortoll Charity
When I lost my daughter to a fentanyl overdose, I found myself grappling with questions that no parent should ever have to face. How did we get here? Could I have done something differently? As I began to reflect on her life, one thing became clear: the wounds my daughter carried, many of which were rooted in her childhood, played a profound role in her struggle with addiction. Her passing became the catalyst for my mission to help others heal, and today, our charity produces award-winning media that educates and inspires recovery.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the critical importance of identifying and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) early. These hidden traumas often go unnoticed but can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional, mental, and physical health. By detecting these experiences early and providing the support needed to heal, we can give children the chance to thrive—before the pain leads to more destructive paths, like addiction.
What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, refer to potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (before the age of 18). These events can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, household dysfunction, parental separation or divorce, substance abuse within the family, and more. While not every child who experiences trauma will go on to struggle with issues like addiction or mental health disorders, the correlation between ACEs and long-term health outcomes is undeniable.
Research has shown that the more ACEs a child is exposed to, the higher their risk for issues like substance abuse, mental health disorders, chronic diseases, and even early death. These experiences can shape the way a child views the world and themselves, affecting their ability to cope with stress, form healthy relationships, and build resilience. If we want to prevent these long-term consequences, we must start by detecting ACEs early and addressing them head-on.
Why Detecting ACEs Early Is Critical
Children are incredibly resilient, but without the right support, the emotional scars left by ACEs can follow them into adulthood, affecting every aspect of their lives. Here are a few reasons why early detection of ACEs is so critical:
Prevention of Long-Term Health Problems
ACEs are not just emotional experiences; they are linked to serious long-term health consequences. Adults with a high number of ACEs are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression, and substance abuse. By identifying and addressing childhood trauma early, we can prevent these issues from escalating into lifelong struggles.
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Mental Health Issues
Many individuals who struggle with addiction or mental health disorders trace the root of their pain back to their childhood. My daughter’s battle with fentanyl addiction was deeply connected to the emotional wounds she carried from her early years. By detecting and addressing ACEs in childhood, we can intervene before these experiences lead to dangerous coping mechanisms like substance use.
Building Resilience and Coping Skills
Children who experience ACEs often lack the coping mechanisms needed to process their trauma in healthy ways. Early detection provides an opportunity to equip children with the emotional tools they need to navigate their pain, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. With the right support, these children can grow into thriving adults, rather than victims of their past.
Strengthening Families and Communities
Detecting and addressing ACEs isn’t just about helping individual children—it’s about strengthening families and communities as a whole. By providing early intervention and support, we can break the generational cycle of trauma that so often repeats itself. Families can heal together, and communities can become more resilient and supportive.
How to Detect ACEs Early
Detecting ACEs early requires awareness, understanding, and a commitment to providing the right support. Here are some ways we can start identifying and addressing childhood trauma:
Create Safe Spaces for Children to Share
Children who experience trauma often feel isolated and unsure of how to express their feelings. Creating safe spaces where children feel heard and supported is crucial. This can happen in schools, at home, or in community programs where children are encouraged to talk about their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment.
Training Educators and Caregivers
Educators, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are on the front lines when it comes to detecting ACEs. By training these individuals to recognize the signs of trauma, we can ensure that children receive the support they need as early as possible. This training should include understanding the behaviors that may signal underlying trauma, such as withdrawal, aggression, or difficulty focusing.
Providing Access to Mental Health Resources
Early intervention is key, and access to mental health resources is essential. Therapists, counselors, and social workers who specialize in trauma can help children process their experiences in healthy ways. Families should be encouraged to seek professional support when necessary, and schools and communities should prioritize providing these resources.
Raise Awareness Through Media and Education
One of the ways our charity works to address childhood trauma is through the creation of award-winning media that educates families, schools, and communities about the impact of ACEs. By raising awareness and providing practical resources for healing, we aim to inspire people to seek recovery before it’s too late. Our mission is to show that healing is possible—and it starts with understanding the root of the pain.
Helping Children Heal and Thrive
The earlier we detect and address adverse childhood experiences, the greater the chance we have of helping children heal and thrive. Through our charity’s work, I’ve seen firsthand the power of healing. Children who receive the support they need to process their trauma can break free from the cycle of pain and become resilient, thriving adults. They don’t have to carry their ACEs into adulthood, and they don’t have to seek escape in destructive ways.
My daughter’s story is a painful reminder of what can happen when childhood trauma goes untreated. But in her memory, we’re working to create a future where no child has to suffer in silence. Our media inspires people to confront the past, seek recovery, and build a better future.
Final Thoughts
Adverse Childhood Experiences don’t have to define a child’s future. With early detection, the right support, and a commitment to healing, we can change the trajectory of a child’s life. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, I urge you to be aware of the signs of ACEs and to act. Together, we can help children not only heal from their trauma but thrive in the face of adversity.
Let’s continue to raise awareness, inspire healing, and build a future where every child can recover from the pain of the past and live a life filled with hope and possibility.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of childhood trauma, our charity is here to help. Let’s work together to detect, heal, and inspire recovery.
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