Child abuse and neglect are recognized as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are potentially traumatic events that happen during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction (like growing up in a home with violence, addiction, or mental health issues).

These experiences can lead to toxic stress—prolonged, intense stress that overwhelms a child’s ability to cope. This stress can interfere with their ability to learn and interact with peers in a healthy way. Repeated exposure to stress can also disrupt brain development, impacting how a child thinks, learns, and manages their emotions.

ACEs can significantly impact a person’s well-being (calculate your score here) and lead to a higher risk of:

1. Physical Health Problems – Such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

2. Mental Health Issues – Including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

3. Learning and Behavioral Challenges – Difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, and social problems.

4. Relationship Struggles – Challenges in forming healthy relationships, both in childhood and later in life.

A higher ACE score means you experienced more adverse experiences in your childhood. It correlates to a higher chance of physical and psychological problems later in life.

Ultimately, your ACE score is a tool. It provides one way for your therapeutic care team to understand your childhood trauma, the risk factors it might affect in your adult life, and potential treatment options that could help.