Understanding the

Effects of ACES

ACEs are stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. Unfortunately, they are common—and include experiences such as divorce and witnessing violence. Adverse community events such as poverty and systemic racism can further compound the effects of ACEs.

A landmark study found the higher the number of ACEs, the more likely one can experience negative health effects like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, anxiety and asthma.³ We know ACEs can have a lasting, negative impact—even into adulthood—on children’s well-being and ability to thrive. But ACEs aren’t our destiny.³

Learn More about what the science tells us

ACEs change our brains and bodies.

From brain development and hormonal systems to immune systems and even DNA, ACEs can alter children’s brains and bodies. These changes can cause behavior problems, learning difficulties and physical health issues.

Early adversity can have a lifelong impact.

When faced with early adversity and trauma, children are at a higher risk of developing chronic illness as an adult or experiencing an earlier death. As adults, they can have an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Help children build resilience.

Protective factors can help children heal from ACEs and shield them from the long-term impacts of trauma. There are many ways to build a child’s resiliency and reduce the impact of trauma: making connections with caring and competent adults, helping a child build a sense of belonging and building stronger connections to community, culture and spirituality.

Adapted from Ellis., W.R and Dietz, W.H.⁷

Economic Cost of ACEs

While investing in early childhood health and wellbeing might come at a cost, not investing in it will cost even more. According to two different reports, the estimated average lifetime cost per child facing maltreatment is $210,012 in 2010 dollars. This includes $32,648 in childhood health care costs; $10,530 in adult medical costs; $144,360 in productivity losses; $7,728 in child welfare costs; $6,747 in criminal justice costs; and $7,999 in special education costs. With those type of figures, how can we afford not to invest? ⁶

Learn More About the Science of ACEs

How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Over a Lifetime

Watch Now

How a Child’s Brain Develops Through Early Experiences

Watch Now

What’s Your Number Story?

Our early childhood experiences can affect our health and well-being as adults. Understanding your ACE history can be a powerful first step to healing ourselves, and helping the children in our lives.

visit the numberstory.org