What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a collection of potentially distressing events such as violence, abuse, or neglect that occur in childhood (ages 0-17).

Childhood exposure to prolonged traumatic events may result in a toxic stress response, disrupting brain development and increasing the risk of poor physical health, coping skills, or other long-term cognitive impairments.

While researchers and practitioners across many disciplines (e.g., developmental psychology, pediatrics, social work) had general knowledge of the connection between trauma and healthy development, the 1998 landmark ACEs Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente deepened this understanding.

To view your state’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) data click HERE.