Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Call on Clinical Behavioral Health

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (e.g., household dysfunction, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community) are traumatic events occurring prior to the age of 18 and are related to long-term negative cognitive, developmental, behavioral, social, and physical health outcomes. Designed for professionals working in clinical behavioral health, criminal justice, forensic psychological, and legal, this training provides attendees with an overview of the ACEs research and its implications for justice-involved populations, and screening, intake, intervention, supervision, and management. This includes a review of practical tips, strategies, and solutions that can be utilized when working with clients impacted by various types of adverse childhood experiences. Other relevant topics of interest discussed include prenatal trauma, maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse birth outcomes, complex and developmental trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), toxic stress, alexithymia, mentalization deficits, attachment problems, executive functioning limitations, sleep disturbances, self-regulation problems, theory of mind (ToM) limitations, language development issues, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, suicidality, shame, empathy, resilience, and trauma informed care strategies. All aforementioned discussions are grounded in empirical research findings.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, sleep disturbances, serious and persistent mental health disorders, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.