Educational Media Reviews Online

Among our failings in the area of mental health care in this country is our tendency to view mental health and physical health as separate spheres when the body itself makes no such distinctions. In fact, research has built up a steady pile of evidence of the cumulative and severe effects of “toxic stress” on our health and lifespans over the years. The effects of toxic stress that begin during childhood are especially devastating and can affect a child’s life course without the guidance of a stable, caring adult presence. Yet, children experiencing “adverse childhood experiences,”or ACEs, are not doomed to poor outcomes, as the experts interviewed in this lovely and hopeful film emphasize. While resilience does not come about as easily and naturally to children in difficult circumstances as is sometimes assumed, it is something that can be built over time. The challenges and astonishing pervasiveness of childhood trauma, as well as approaches to mitigate its effects are revealed through interviews with experts interspersed with footage of practical interventions with children and parents. Graphics and animation are also used to excellent effect in this film.

This film should find a welcome place in any collections focused on children’s health. Highly recommended.