4. Physical neglect.
Another common trigger of adverse childhood experiences is physical neglect. Physical neglect occurs when a parent, guardian, or any other caregiver fails to meet the basic necessities that are required in order for a child to not only thrive but survive. Physical neglect includes the failure to meet the physical needs of a child, such as failure to provide adequate food, shelter, and clothing; however, it can also include exposure to an unsafe environment.
For example, a child who is provided with shelter, but is exposed to terrible conditions in that shelter, would be considered physically neglected. This type of neglect can also include abandonment, ineffective supervision, and failure to provide proper health care for a child; for example, not providing proper oral health care, not taking a child to the doctor, and not addressing any injuries or illnesses that a child may be experiencing.