How understanding ACEs can change the way you practice

Season 1, Episode 5,   Jun 23, 2021, 03:15 PM

In this episode of DocTalks, we talk to Dr Linda Uyeda who, after the birth of her first child 18 years ago, expanded her medical education to explore neuroscience, parenting, trauma, and attachment. We learn about the physiological impact of trauma and ACEs on our minds and bodies, and how understanding the science can shift thinking to make a difference to the way doctors’ practice and the support they provide to patients.

With the added stressors placed on children, youth, and families by the COVID-19 pandemic, more attention has been focused on the adverse impact on the mental health and wellness of our young people. Protecting and mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been a prime concern for many physicians. 
 
But there’s a long way to go to educate and build skills to mitigate ACEs, and to ensure supports are implemented to prevent them from occurring in the first place. 

Dr Uyeda is a member of a Child and Youth Mental Health Community of Practice involving 270 physicians who work to improve care for BC’s children youth and families. She continues to educate parents, counsellors, teachers, and physicians with her research and findings. 

Resources:
 
Books:
  • Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
  • Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell
  • What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work by Dr Ashley Miller and Dr Adele Lafrance
  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
  •  The Boy who was Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz