What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood. These experiences can have a significant impact on a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, and may have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being throughout their lifespan.

ACEs can be categorized into three main types: abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, while neglect includes physical and emotional neglect. Household dysfunction can include substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, or incarceration of a household member.

The more ACEs that a person has, the more likely they are to have a range of negative impacts on their health and well-being as an adult. Having a high ACE score can lead to an increased risk for physical health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. They may also have increased rates of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. Adults with high ACE scores may also struggle with interpersonal relationships and have difficulty maintaining stable employment and financial stability.

Additionally, ACEs can impact cognitive development and academic achievement. Children who experience ACEs may have difficulty with attention, learning, and memory, and may struggle in school as a result. These difficulties can - and often do - carry over into adulthood.

Preventing ACEs is crucial for promoting healthy development and well-being in children. This can be accomplished through a variety of interventions, including parent education and support, early childhood education and care, and trauma-informed care. Addressing the root causes of ACEs, such as poverty, social inequality, and systemic violence, can help prevent ACEs and promote the healthy development of children. One of the most critical supports that can counteract the negative impact of ACEs is for a child to have just one stable, healthy relationship with an adult who cares about them.

If you’d like to learn more about ACEs - or if you’d like to take the short ACE test yourself to see what your score is - check out this website here: https://stopabusecampaign.org/take-your-ace-test/