ACE’s

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence, victimization and perpetration, and effects on lifelong mental & physical health and opportunity. 

But that is not the whole story.

About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study

Fast Facts

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). These can include

  • experiencing violence, sexual abuse or emotional neglect

  • witnessing violence in the home or community, such as your father hurting your mother

  • having a family member attempt or die by suicide

Your home life can impact your sense of safety, stability, and bonding with your caregivers. This includes growing up in a household with:

  • substance misuse, such a alcoholism

  • mental health problems, like a parent with PTSD

  • instability due to divorce, abandonment or death

  • or household members being in jail or prison

Of course many other factors contribute to adversity and traumatic stress in childhood such as;

  • persistent bullying,

  • experiencing racism,

  • gender discrimination,

  • Discrimination based on your sexual orientation

  • living in a war zone,

  • being in foster care,

  • surviving a traumatic accident,

  • having someone in the house with a chronic illness,

  • homelessness

  • or an emotionally unavailable parent.

ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities. ACE’s don’t effect everyone the same. Some people with a high ACE scores do not necessary encounter troubles. More research shows resilience and protective factors matter too. So, let’s talk about resilience.

Resilience

Thankfully, your brain and your life is somewhat plastic. Resilience research shows that there are many factors that contribute besides just your ACE score. This includes asking for help, developing trusting relationships, forming a positive outlook, listening to feelings, getting professional help across your lifespan, having a trusting partner can all help counter the affects of early adversity.

References

Ace’s too high

NPR

CDC

Aces Connection