Exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences and Bullying of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and bullying can lead to psychological distress, causing both short- and long-term health and mental health problems. Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), including those who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), face a higher risk of ACEs and bullying, which can affect their well-being. This study builds on existing literature by (a) reviewing ACEs and bullying in CSHCN, especially those who are DHH, and (b) using data from the 2016-2022 National Survey of Children's Health to analyze ACEs and bullying in children who are DHH, DHH+CSHCN, and CSHCN. The literature review found that disability is linked to a higher chance of experiencing ACEs, and more ACEs are connected to worse health, development, and education outcomes. The research also confirmed that CSHCN experience bullying more often than children without disabilities. This is also true for children who are DHH, especially those who use hearing aids or cochlear implants, or attend special education classes. The statistical analysis showed that children who are DHH, DHH+CSHCN, and CSHCN had higher rates of individual ACEs, total ACEs, and ACE accumulation than children without disabilities. These groups also faced bullying more often (e.g., 1-2 times per month, weekly, or almost daily). However, CSHCN had a higher prevalence of ACEs and bullying than children who are DHH, and children who are DHH+CSHCN had the highest rates of both. The study also explored whether ACEs influenced the relationship between disability and bullying, finding that a higher number of ACEs made bullying more likely for all disability groups. Social factors like race, ethnicity, poverty, geographic location, and gender were found to affect the relationship between disability, ACEs, and bullying. In conclusion, this study provides important insights into ACEs and bullying for children who are DHH, DHH+CSHCN, and CSHCN. It also highlights how social factors influence these challenges. These findings can help shape better prevention and support strategies, as well as public policies, to improve the health and well-being of these children.