Adverse Childhood experiences research
The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) is a diagnostic test used by educators and mental health professionals to quantify and investigate past trauma that may effect a child's behavior. There has been research into the correlation between the number of ACEs and potential risk factors that may impact the child's life in the future. As a child, Maya had several ACEs-- abandonment and sexual abuse-- as well as several more traumatizing situations. These events were very impactful on Maya's perspective of life. ACE research gives justification to the concept that events that happen during childhood may have repercussions well into adulthood. More information and resources can be found at Benchmark's Center for Excellence.