Description
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Online Course
Deepen your knowledge of Adverse Childhood Experiences with NAPAC’s online training.
This adverse childhood experiences course gives professionals a solid grounding in the ACE framework, the science of trauma, and practical approaches for trauma-informed care. Delivered online and selfpaced, it is suitable for teachers, healthcare staff, social workers, safeguarding leads and anyone supporting people affected by childhood adversity.
Why Take This ACE Training?
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ACE framework and its evidence base
- Explore the impact of trauma on the brain, body, and behaviour
- Recognise the signs of trauma across the lifespan
- Learn how to apply trauma-informed practice in real-world settings
- Reflect critically on the strengths and limitations of ACE models
- Earn a certificate of completion to support your CPD or professional portfolio
Course Structure
This ACEs course takes you through a structured learning journey:
Foundations of ACEs
- What are ACEs and why do they matter?
- The ten original ACEs
- Categories of ACEs: two core types
- The ACE framework: origins, evolution, strengths and limitations
- Critical reflection on ACE scoring and usage
The Science of Trauma
- How ACEs affect the brain, body and behaviour
- Stress response systems and survival modes
- Impact on brain development, health and behaviour
- Neuroplasticity and the possibility of change
- Adversity, toxic stress, and epigenetics
ACEs Across the Lifespan
- Identifying ACEs in children and adolescents
- Behaviour as communication and attachment patterns
- Barriers to disclosure and protective factors
- ACEs in adulthood: health outcomes, complex trauma, and recovery
- Survivor narratives and professional perspectives
Trauma-Informed Professional Practice
- Core principles of trauma-informed care and language
- Responding safely and avoiding re-traumatisation
- ACEs: limits and system implications
- Trauma-informed systems and leadership
- Vicarious trauma, moral distress, and applied exercises
Reflection and Future Directions
- Revisiting key learning points
- Ethical considerations and moving beyond ACE scores
- Future developments in ACE research and practice
- Final reflection and signposting to NAPAC resources
What You’ll Gain
By the end of this adverse childhood experiences training, you’ll have:
- A strong knowledge base on ACEs and trauma science
- Practical strategies for recognising and responding to trauma
- Tools for embedding trauma-informed practice into your role
- Confidence to support recovery and resilience in children and adults
Why Choose NAPAC’s ACEs Course?
- Developed by trauma specialists and psychologists with decades of experience
- Evidence-based, engaging, and professionally relevant
- Flexible online learning you can complete at your own pace
- Recognised ACE qualification with a certificate of completion