The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Events, Resiliency and Health Among Children with Autism

Previous research has shown a negative relationship between adverse childhood events (ACEs) and health and resiliency among the general population, but has not examined these associations among children with autism. Purpose To determine the prevalence of ACEs among children with autism and how ACEs are associated with resiliency and health. Methods A quantitative analysis was conducted using data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health. Results Children with autism experience significantly more ACEs than their peers, which is negatively associated with their health. However, resiliency is not significantly associated with ACEs in this population. ACEs disproportionately affect children with autism, which is negatively associated with health, but not resiliency. Further investigation into why children with autism experience more ACEs but maintain resiliency is warranted.