ACEs are a public health crisis because they are so common and have such a negative impact on health. One in four adults in the United States has experienced four or more ACEs. ACEs are also a root cause of many of the most harmful, persistent, and expensive health challenges facing our state and nation, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
The good news is that ACEs and toxic stress are treatable. We can screen for ACEs, respond with evidence-based trauma-informed care, and significantly improve the health and well-being of individuals and families. These efforts can also reduce the risk of intergenerational transmission of the significant health and societal consequences of toxic stress.
There are many things we can do to address ACEs and toxic stress. We can raise awareness of ACEs and their impact on health. We can screen for ACEs in schools, healthcare settings, and other community organizations. We can provide evidence-based trauma-informed care to individuals and families who have experienced ACEs. We can also support policies and programs that promote healthy development and resilience in children and families.
By taking action to address ACEs and toxic stress, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. am aware of the effects that COVID-19 has on both the students and teachers.  According to the American Psychological Association, not only are our students dealing with COVID-19 stress as a student (APA, 2020), there is a possibility they have to deal with the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on their physical and mental health. Teachers have to deal with both the impact of COVID-19 on their students and on themselves which can also be stressful. For students, if stress is not properly addressed and reduced, it can lead to long-term behavior issues, health complications, and diseases that are caused by ACEs (APA, 2020). 
I am a HUGE advocate for ACEs. I completed my dissertation on the topic after addressing my own childhood trauma growing up. I have not only learned more about the psychological effects of ACEs on young minds, but also about the long-term health complications that can come from recurring exposure to ACEs. Now that I understand how toxic stress affects the minds and bodies of children, I want to educate others about ACEs while helping children build social-emotional skills and resilience and teachers with personal and professional development on ACEs.

 

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The ACE Test

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Discover your Adverse Childhood Experiences score in 11 questions

 

The ACE test is based on the ACE Study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the CDC. It demonstrated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult health and social outcomes.

Understanding ourselves as adults often means revisiting our childhoods. The ACE, or adverse childhood experience, test helps you do that. The test asks 11 questions, and at the end we will provide you with your score and information on what it may mean for you.

Your answers are confidential. No identifying information is gathered.

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