Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Test

 In my Vlog about taking classes to become a foster parent I mention the ACE Test. I wanted to provide our readers with more information about what the ACE Test is and what information it provides. - D.M.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Test is a ten question quiz that identifies specific childhood trauma experiences which could be linked to a higher risk of health issues as an adult. The higher the number of ACEs, the greater the negative effects. 

This test is limited. It covers only ten types of trauma and does not include traumas related to poverty, housing insecurity, various forms of discrimination, or isolation. It is possible for a person to have faced greater levels of adversity and trauma than this test reflects. 

It also does not account for protective factors that may have an overall positive effect. Nor does it account for genetic factors that may make a person more sensitive to ACEs.

What do ACEs do?

They generate toxic levels of stress that have life long heath impacts such as:

• Increase risks for depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes
• Increase risk of heart disease
• Increase likelihood of risky behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking
• Increase risks of disordered or unhealthy eating habits

Yes. The trauma you experienced as a child could have a life long impact on your health. It is not a foregone conclusion but it is worth knowing your score and considering if you need to make life style adjustments with an increased risk factor.

Want to know what your ACE Score is?

Take the test here

Learn more here:

CDC*

American SPCC

NIH

* I have included a link to the CDC's website in this post because at the time of writing it is still functional. The current changes happening in the USA may result in this no longer working, at which point we will begin looking for alternate sources to reference.