The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs) is a nationally recognizing study on the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. The study found that the percentage of our American population impacted by childhood trauma is:
– 67% minimal impact
– 12.6% severe impact
The study found found that those with severe impact have significant increased adults’ risk for substance abuse, depression, suicide, and poor general health. Revealing the surprising strong connection between childhood trauma and numerous health problems. Those in the severe category are at a much higher risk of heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, severe obesity, and cancer.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs) measures the ten leading types of childhood trauma. 50% accessed from direct trauma endured and 50% accessed from trauma experienced as a result of domestic situations. In 1998, CDC-Kaiser Permanente published a groundbreaking study that investigated the impact of ACEs on physical and mental health problems. ACEs is a simple ten question test that provide insightful information to the level of trauma a child has experienced.
How is Adverse Childhood Trauma Measured?
Each type of trauma a child has experienced counts as one point in the ACEs testing. For instance, a child whose been physically abused, has a drug addict parent, was a witness to domestic violence, and their parent’s divorce has an ACEs score of four. Adverse childhood experiences often cause children to act out and become marginalized. Statistically, children with an ACEs score of 4 or above are thirty-two times more likely to have learning or behavior problems in school. 12.5% of all kids in the US have an ACEs score of 4 or above. The effects of adverse childhood experiences carry well over into adulthood. Statistics show us that adults with an ACEs score of 4 or above:
- Dies an Average of 20 Years Sooner
- 4.5X as likely to become depressed
- 7X more likely to develop alcoholism
- 10X more likely for drug abuse
- 12X more likely to commit suicide
- 32X more likely to have learning and behavior problems
Join the Movement to PREVENT child Exploitation!
There is always a starting point for every great movement—a place where you become aware of a need and decide to be the solution. Join the mass movement of adults around the nation who are gaining the knowledge & skills needed to protect children!
