Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Adverse childhood experiences — commonly known as ACEs — is the term given to describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences that occur to individuals under the age of 18. ACEs affect children and families across all communities.

We Can Prevent Childhood Adversity

The Science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Shows We Can Improve People’s Lives and Help Them Thrive

Understanding ACEs

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events in childhood (0-17 years), such as neglect and experiencing or witnessing violence.

ACEs include aspects of a child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as living in a household with substance misuse or mental health problems.

ACEs can negatively impact physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral development. ACEs can also have lasting effects on health, well-being, and prosperity well into adulthood.

Many People Report ACEs

According to data collected from adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 2011 and 2020:

• 64% reported experiencing at least one type of ACE
• 17% reported experiencing 4 or more types of ACEs

Types of ACEs

Abuse

• Emotional
• Physical
• Sexual

Neglect

• Emotional
• Physical

Household Changes*

• Substance misuse
• Mental illness, including attempted suicide
• Divorce or separation
• Incarceration
• Intimate Partner Violence or Domestic Violence

Other Adversity

• Bullying
• Community violence
• Natural disasters
• Refugee or wartime experiences
• Witnessing or experiencing acts of terrorism

_{*The child lives with a parent, caregiver, or other adult who experiences one or more of these challenges.}

Some Groups Are More Likely to Have Experienced ACEs

Multiple studies show that people who identified as members of these groups as adults reported experiencing significantly more ACEs:

• Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native people and multiracial people
• People with less than a high school education
• People making less than $15,000 per year
• People who are unemployed or unable to work
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people

ACEs Can Accumulate and Their Effects Last Beyond Childhood

The effects of ACEs can add up over time and affect a person throughout their life.

Children who repeatedly and chronically experience adversity can suffer from TOXIC STRESS.

Toxic stress can disrupt ORGAN, TISSUE, AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. Over time this can limit a person’s ability to process information, make decisions, interact with others, and regulate emotions. These consequences may follow a person into adulthood.

ACEs Can Increase Risk for Poor Social Outcomes, Disease, and Death

Research shows that experiencing a higher number of ACEs is associated with many of the leading causes of death like heart disease and cancer.

ACEs Can Echo Across Generations

The consequences of ACEs can be passed down from one generation to the next if children don’t have protective buffers like positive childhood experiences or a caring adult in their lives.

Also, when families experience historical and systemic racism or living in poverty for generations, the effects of ACEs can add up over time.

We Can Create
Positive Childhood Experiences

The science of ACEs also reveals opportunities to improve the lives of all children and adults.

Learn more by Viewing the Full Infographic: We Can Prevent Childhood Adversity (ACEs)

• Download PDF Accessible Version of (ACEs) Infographic
    
• Adverse Childhood Experiences and their Impact on Adulthood
    
• Childhood Adversity: Buffering Stress & Building Resilience

_{Content Source (reviewed March 22, 2022) Veto Violence: ACEs}