Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Home

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are negative experiences that can have far-reaching impacts on a child's life. According to the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study, there are three general categories of ACEs:

• Exposure to abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
• Household challenges (e.g., divorce, mental illness, substance abuse)
• Neglect (emotional or physical)

Research has shown that children who have dealt with one or more ACEs in their early childhood may be more at risk for developing chronic health conditions and risky behaviors as adults. 

ACEs are one of the most critical public health concerns in the country today -- and also some of the most preventable. Clinicians can work with parents and educators to decrease the impact of an ACE and to prevent future trauma from occurring.