Quick facts and stats
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are very common. About 64% of adults in the United States say they had at least one ACE before they turned 18. Around 17.3% reported experiencing four or more types of ACEs.
Preventing ACEs could make a big difference in reducing health issues.
It's estimated that we could potentially prevent up to 1.9 million cases of heart disease and 21 million cases of depression by addressing ACEs.
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Some people are more likely to experience multiple ACEs than others. While all kids can be affected, research shows that there are disparities in who experiences ACEs.
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These disparities often relate to the historical, social, and economic conditions that some families face. ACEs are most common among females, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults, and those who are unemployed or unable to work.
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The cost of ACEs is also significant, with related health issues costing about $748 billion annually in Bermuda, Canada, and the United States.
What are adverse childhood experiences?
LASTING AFFECTS
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being, impacting life opportunities from childhood into adulthood. These include education and job prospects. ACEs can increase the risk of injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and involvement in sex trafficking. They can also lead to maternal and child health issues like teen pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and fetal death. Additionally, ACEs are linked to chronic diseases and major causes of death, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide.
HEALTH CHALLENGES
Growing up in under-resourced or racially segregated neighborhoods, along with experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can lead to toxic stress. This prolonged stress from ACEs can negatively impact children's brain development, immune systems, and how they respond to stress. As a result, it can affect their ability to pay attention, make decisions, and learn effectively.
RELATIONSHIP
CHALLENGES
Children who experience toxic stress during their upbringing may find it hard to form healthy relationships and could struggle with job stability, financial management, and depression as adults. These challenges might also affect their own children. Additionally, some children may face additional stress from historical and ongoing traumas, like racial discrimination or the effects of poverty due to limited educational and economic opportunities.
Prevention
Children who grow up experiencing toxic stress may find it hard to build healthy and lasting relationships. This difficulty can continue into adulthood, leading to unstable work histories, financial challenges, job instability, and ongoing battles with depression. These struggles can also impact their own children, creating a cycle. Moreover, some children may face ongoing exposure to toxic stress due to historical and ongoing traumas like racial discrimination or the effects of poverty resulting from limited educational and economic opportunities.