Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. 

The most common causes of ACEs include:

• Violence

• Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)

• Neglect

• Loss of a friend or family member

• Missing parental figures or divorce

Visit this page to learn more about ACEs. 

How do ACEs affect you later in life?

Adverse childhood experiences can impact an adult years after the traumatic event happened. It can impact your health, quality of life, and access to opportunities like your career and education. 

ACEs can lead to chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. This happens because stress takes a toll on your body. ACEs can decrease a person’s overall life expectancy by nearly 20 years compared to a person who doesn’t have any ACEs. Read more about the effects of ACEs here Version Options Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Headline. 

How would I know if I experienced ACEs during my childhood?

You can complete this short questionnaire to learn how many common ACEs you experienced in childhood. 

If I experienced ACEs during my childhood, how can I reduce my risk of negative health outcomes?

A healthcare provider may recommend addressing your ACEs by regularly seeing a mental health therapist and managing or treating any underlying health conditions you have. Long-term, chronic medical conditions like heart disease and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression may need lifelong treatment and management.

What resources are available in Tazewell County to help children and adults with ACEs?

To find a mental health provider that meets your needs, visit our tri-county resource guide. 

How can I avoid exposing my children to ACEs?

You can reduce your risk of exposing your child to trauma by:

• Providing a nurturing and safe environment for your child

• Creating a bond or building a relationship with your child

• Making sure your child’s physical and emotional needs are met

• Getting the care and support you need as a caregiver

Visit this page for strategies and resources to protect your child from ACEs. 

If your child has experienced ACEs in the past, you can visit this page for information about reducing the effects of those experiences.

Sources:

     About adverse childhood experiences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 8). https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html

     Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) & childhood trauma. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, March 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace

     Overcoming adverse childhood experiences. Mayo Clinic Health System. (2024, November 7). https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/overcoming-adverse-childhood-experiences

     Preventing adverse childhood experiences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 8). https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/overcoming-adverse-childhood-experiences