Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Athlete: An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care


This is an encore presentation from NATA 2022 in Philadelphia, offering a second chance to experience the event's valuable content and insights.

Abstract:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, including exposure to violence, abuse, substance use, mental health issues, and parental separation. ACEs can negatively impact mental and physical health in adulthood. 64% of adults report > 1 ACE and 20% report > 3.  The impact of ACEs can be mitigated with connection to supportive adults and positive activities that promote social-emotional learning and coping. Athletic trainers are uniquely positioned to support individuals who have experienced ACEs by assessing mental health, developing a robust referral network, and providing trauma-informed care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define ACEs and their impact on mental and physical health
  • Implement a trauma-informed approach to the roles and responsibilities of athletic training
  • Develop a compendium of developmentally appropriate trauma-informed resources, referrals, and brief interventions

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords: Biopsychosocial, trauma-informed, patient-centered

Ashley Long, PhD, LAT, ATC

As the Concussion Clinic Coordinator at Mt. Olive Family Medicine Center, I oversee the delivery of comprehensive concussion services to the eastern North Carolina community. With over 20 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer and an ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer, I am passionate about providing evidence-based assessment, management, and education for concussion patients and their families.

In addition to my clinical role, I am also an Adjunct Professor at The University of Georgia, where I teach a graduate course in Healthcare Management for Athletic Training students. I hold a PhD in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi, and am working toward a Certificate in Biomedical Neuroscience from the University of Florida. I am also the owner and clinician of NeuroActive, LLC, a concussion assessment and education company. I have received multiple honors and awards for my research and service in the field of concussion and athletic training, and I am committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of concussion care in rural settings.

Allison Bickett, PhD

Dr. Allison Bickett received her PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas. She presently serves as the Director of Behavioral Medicine Education in the Department of Family Medicine. She is responsible for Behavioral Health Integration programs at the three Family Medicine residency sites; supporting patient care in the inpatient and outpatient setting, as well as Diabetes and HIV clinics. Allison assists in developing and teaching the Longitudinal Behavioral Medicine curriculum; supporting and evaluating residents in the advancement of their mental health knowledge and clinical interviewing skills. Core facets of the Behavioral Medicine curriculum include motivational interviewing, active listening and the outpatient management of mental health issues commonly seen in primary care. Allison’s research interests include the relationship between mental health and chronic illness, behavioral health integration and mental health screening in the community.

Allison serves on several committees and taskforces to address physician well-being, and one of her passions in this area is the intersection of medicine and the humanities. She co-facilitates the Art of Medicine program, which is a unique collaboration between Atrium Health and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which allows physicians and APPs to explore important works of art and process the challenging emotions that arise from the practice of medicine.

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