1001 Critical Days & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The First 1001 Critical Days

The First 1001 Days is the time between conception and age two.  It is the period when brain development is at its peak growth period, with the brain creating connections at the rate of 1 million per second!  It is a crucial period for young children’s learning, especially making relationships and language learning..  

You can read more on the Parent Infant Foundation website.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

A growing body of research is revealing the long-term impacts that experiences and events during childhood have on individuals’ life chances. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse and neglect have been shown to be associated with the development of a wide range of harmful behaviours including smoking, harmful alcohol use, drug use, risky sexual behaviour, violence and crime. They are also linked to diseases such as diabetes, mental illness, cancer and cardiovascular disease, and ultimately to premature mortality. It is important to recognise that ACEs don’t determine how your child’s life will turn out. With the right support children can overcome difficult experiences and thrive.

What is COVID-19 and how does it relate to child development?

Download What is COVID-19 and how does it relate to child development

Download the ACEs Fact sheet

Download the ACES and social injustice presentation

Fair Society, Healthy Lives: the Marmot Review

Read the full review