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ACE Childhood Trauma Score

10-question Adverse Childhood Experiences

Before age 18:

CDC-Kaiser ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) — 10 items, public domain. Used in healthcare, education, social work.

Trigger warning: These questions cover potentially distressing topics: abuse, neglect, household dysfunction. If recall causes overwhelm, take a break. Crisis resources at bottom of page.
1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? Or act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?
2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? Or ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? Or attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
4. Did you often or very often feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? Or your family didn't look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?
5. Did you often or very often feel that you didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you? Or your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?
6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?
7. Was your mother or stepmother often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her? Or sometimes/often/very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? Or ever repeatedly hit at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?
8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?
9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?
10. Did a household member go to prison?
🆘 Trauma + crisis support:
🇺🇸 USA: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) · 1-800-422-4453 (Childhelp Hotline)
🇩🇪 DE: 0800 22 55 530 (N.I.N.A. e.V., Hilfe-Telefon Sex. Missbrauch) · 0800 111 0 111 (Telefonseelsorge)
🇬🇧 UK: 116 123 (Samaritans) · 0808 800 5000 (NSPCC)
🌍 findahelpline.com — international, free, confidential
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Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide
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ACE Childhood Trauma Score

The Adverse Childhood Experiences study showed strong correlation between childhood trauma and adult health outcomes. ACE score is widely used in trauma-informed healthcare. Awareness — not diagnosis — drives appropriate support.

How to use this tool

  1. 1

    10 yes/no questions

    Each Yes = 1 ACE point.

  2. 2

    Score 0-10

    4+ = significant lifetime health impact.

  3. 3

    Resources

    Trauma-informed support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACE study?
CDC-Kaiser ACE Study (1995-1997, ongoing follow-up): adverse childhood experiences strongly correlate with adult mental + physical health. Score 4+ = significantly higher rates of depression, addiction, heart disease, autoimmune.
Score doesn't equal destiny?
Correct — high ACE score = increased risk, not certainty. Resilience factors (one stable adult, therapy, community) significantly reduce impact. The point is awareness + targeted support, not fatalism.
Found this triggering?
That's normal. Recall of childhood trauma can stir up emotions. The crisis resources at the bottom are free, 24/7, confidential. A trauma-informed therapist is well-equipped to support processing.

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