The Neuroscience Of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is coming to Brighthelm Church and Community Centre on Wednesday 5 August for a lecture on the neuroscience of adverse childhood experiences. It's a talk that looks at how early life shapes adult development, and it runs from 19:00 to 21:30, with a Q&A to follow.

The core of the evening is the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences — things like neglect, abuse, and chronic stress. DeMarco explains how these don't just sit in the memory, but can actually alter the developing brains of children and adolescents. When that stress builds up over time, it hits the parts of the brain that handle emotions, learning, memory, and decision-making. It's the kind of thing that can follow a person well into their adult life, affecting how they process the world around them.

DeMarco draws on neuroscience to trace that link between a child's early environment and their long-term wellbeing. But it's not all about the damage; he also talks about how support and resilience can help the brain heal and grow after trauma. The Q&A at the end gives you a chance to ask your own questions and dig a bit deeper into the science behind it.

It's at Brighthelm, 53 North Road, BN1 1YD, on Wednesday 5 August, from 19:00 to 21:30. Tickets are £16.00.