The Adverse Childhood Experiences study, or ACE Study, was conducted by researchers at Kaiser

Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the late 1990s. They sought to examine
the impact of specific negative childhood experiences and conditions on long-term health. ACEs are
traumatic events that occur before a child reaches the age of 18. ACEs include all types of abuse and
neglect, such as parental substance use, incarceration, and domestic violence. They can also have other
implications for the individual, such as problems with education, work, and relationships. Those who
have had ACEs may be more likely to experience several other challenges in their lives. ACEs are
common and affect people from all populations. They can negatively affect a person’s physical and
mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Individuals who have experienced one or more ACEs
may wish to see a therapist for treatment. With help and support, a person can learn to address childhood
traumas and move forward with their life.

The ACE questionnaire measures traumatic events in childhood, like abuse, neglect, and family
dysfunction, that present a risk for future medical, academic, and social problems. High ACE scores
have been determined to predict risky adult behavior and are associated with health and disability
in childhood. Studying the impact of ACEs in childhood is important for developing interventions to
help mitigate additional risks associated with ACE exposure.

Toxic stress from ACEs can negatively affect children's brain development, immune systems, and stress-
response systems. These changes can affect children's attention, decision-making, and learning. Children
growing up with toxic stress may have difficulty forming healthy and stable relationships. Toxic Stress
Explains How ACEs “Get Under the Skin. "Experiencing many ACEs, as well as things like racism and
community violence, without supportive adults, can cause what's known as toxic stress. This excessive
activation of the stress response system can lead to long-lasting wear-and-tear on the body and brain.
ACEs are strongly associated with a wide range of health problems that can persist throughout a person's
lifespan, including an increased risk of substance misuse, serious emotional disturbances, and mental
health disorders. The more ACEs a person has, the greater the risk for negative outcomes.

Participating communities in these initiatives may provide training in resilience and trauma
awareness to community stakeholders, establish trauma-informed service networks, share tips
and resources for community development and coalition building, infuse community settings
with the principles of trauma-informed. Strengthen interpersonal relationships and social and
emotional skills. Research indicates several protective factors that can prevent or ameliorate the
negative effects of childhood adversities. A positive, supportive relationship with one or more
adults is of primary importance. Be transparent and trustworthy. Let family members know
ahead of time when and why you want to meet with them. Avoid scheduling meetings at the last
minute. Make sure families understand that the purpose of all meetings is to work together to
help their child heal and thrive.

ACEs can affect student learning and behavior in the classroom. Children with three or more ACEs are 5x
more likely to have attendance issues, 6x times more likely to have behavior problems, and 3x times more
likely to experience academic failure. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a tremendous
impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. CDC works
to understand ACEs and prevent them. I learned how knowing about ACEs can help you understand other
people and their actions based on the way they act.