Aces, autoimmunity, and trauma-informed care
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Authors
Dhillon, Jessica
Issue Date
2025-10-22
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
autoimmune disorders , South Asian diaspora , polyvagal theory , trauma
Alternative Title
Abstract
Trauma has profound and lasting effects on both psychological and physiological health, yet clinical models often remain narrowly focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), overlooking complex developmental and somatic impacts. This paper explores the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and autoimmune disorders in adulthood, emphasizing the role of autonomic nervous system dysregulation as described by Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2011; Dana, 2018). Drawing from both Eastern and Western populations, it highlights the importance of culturally responsive care, particularly for South Asian and East Asian communities in Canada, where family structures, gender norms, and stigma shape trauma expression and somatic manifestations (Ahmad et al., 2020; Aguilar, Osman, Yeh, & Ghahari, 2025). Evidence indicates that early-life adversity becomes biologically embedded, influencing the HPA axis, autonomic function, and immune responses, thereby increasing vulnerability to chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases (Anda et al., 2006; Dube et al., 2009; Kuhlman, Chiang, Horn, & Bower, 2017; Köhler-Forsberg et al., 2025). Integrating somatic, neuroscience-informed, and culturally contextualized frameworks supports trauma-aware interventions that address both mind and body, offering a more holistic and inclusive approach to care for diverse populations (Fisher, 2021; Van der Kolk, 2014; Sullivan, 2018; Brown, 2021).