The Impact of ACEs and SDOH on Youth Mental Health
Presented by Melissa Sevestre
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly impact neurodevelopment, behavior, and long-term health outcomes in the youth population. Approximately 64% of Americans report experiencing at least one ACE, which correlates with an increased risk for mental health disorders, substance abuse, and academic challenges. This course provides rehabilitation professionals with a comprehensive framework to analyze how environmental stressors and social drivers, such as housing instability and community violence, interact to shape a child’s functioning. Participants will learn to integrate these factors into clinical reasoning to adapt therapeutic environments and communication methods effectively. By examining evidence-based strategies and real-world case studies, clinicians will gain the skills necessary to build rapport, advocate for essential services, and create developmentally supportive treatment plans. This course is designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare providers working with pediatric populations in outpatient, school-based, or acute care settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine how adverse childhood events (ACEs) influence neurodevelopment, behavior, and long-term health outcomes
- Analyze how social determinants of health (SDOH) interact with ACEs to shape youth functioning, participation, and recovery
- Integrate ACEs and SDOH considerations into clinical reasoning to adapt rehabilitation plans, communication methods, and therapeutic environments
- Determine strategies to utilize when working with youth with or suspected ACEs/SDOH to increase therapeutic outcomes
Meet your instructor
Melissa Sevestre
Dr. Melissa Sevestre has been an occupational therapist for more than 18 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education with a focus on intellectual disabilities from the University of Central Florida. She spent three years teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Roots and Ripples: The Lasting Effects of ACEs
This chapter defines ACEs and explores their profound influence on neurodevelopment and long-term mental health. It is essential for clinicians to recognize the signs of toxic stress and household variance to better understand the backgrounds of the children they serve and adjust treatment accordingly.
2. The Intersection of SDOH and Youth Mental Health
Participants will examine how the conditions in which children live and grow, known as social determinants (or drivers) of health, shape overall health outcomes. Understanding these external factors allows rehabilitation professionals to move beyond traditional clinical boundaries to advocate for public policy changes and educate community stakeholders.
3. Youth Mental Health in Context: A Case Study Approach to ACEs and Social Determinants
Through a detailed case study of a 5-year-old child, this chapter demonstrates how ACEs and SDOH intertwine to possibly cause developmental delays and emotional dysregulation. This practical application helps providers synthesize complex information to create predictable therapeutic environments and teach age-appropriate coping strategies.
More courses in this series
The Impact of ACEs and SDOH on Youth Mental Health
Melissa Sevestre
Shaping Futures: How Mental Health Influences Youth Development
Melissa Sevestre
Partnering for Wellness: Rehab’s Role in School Mental Health
Melissa Sevestre
Building Resilient Youth: Coping Strategies for Rehab Professionals
Melissa Sevestre
Helping Youth Strive: Mindfulness Practice for Rehab Professionals
Melissa Sevestre
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