The Science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Shows We Can Improve People’s Lives and Help Them Thrive
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:
Types of ACEs
Abuse
- Emotional
- Physical
- Sexual
Neglect
- Emotional
- Physical
Household Challenges*
- 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
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:
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 happens when the brain endures repeated stress or danger, then releases FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT HORMONES like cortisol.
This INTERNAL ALARM SYSTEM increases heart rate and blood pressure and damages the digestive and immune systems.
Toxic stress happens when the brain endures repeated stress or danger, then releases FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT HORMONES like cortisol.
This INTERNAL ALARM SYSTEM increases heart rate and blood pressure and damages the digestive and immune systems.
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.
Chronic Health Conditions
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Health Risk Behaviors
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Substance misuse
- Physical inactivity
- Sexual risk behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Social Outcomes
- Lack of health insurance
- Unemployment
- Less than high school diploma or equivalent education
Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorders
- Depression
- Substance use disorder including alcohol, opioids, and tobacco
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.
The science of ACEs also reveals opportunities to improve the lives of all children and adults.
What could happen if we prevent ACEs?
15%
REDUCTION
in the number of
adults who are
UNEMPLOYED
16%
REDUCTION
in the number of
adults with
KIDNEY DISEASE
24-27%
REDUCTION
in the number of adults with
respiratory problems such as
ASTHMA AND COPD
33%
REDUCTION
in the number of
adults who SMOKE
44%
REDUCTION
in the number of
adults with
DEPRESSION
The primary prevention of ACEs — stopping ACEs
before they start — would benefit the economy
and relieve pressures on healthcare systems.
The primary prevention of ACEs — stopping ACEs before they start — would benefit the economy and relieve pressures on healthcare systems.
REDUCTION IN ACES
could equate to an annual savings of
$56 billion
Working together, we can help create neighborhoods,
communities, and a world in which every child can thrive.
Working together, we can help create neighborhoods, communities, and a world in which every child can thrive.
Learn how you can help!
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