Childhood adversity refers to harmful or stressful events in childhood — including abuse, neglect, family conflict or instability, unmet basic needs, exposure to violence, and more — that disrupt a child’s sense of safety and support.

Childhood adversity is the bigger umbrella of adversity children can face. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a common way to measure and understand chronic and ongoing adversity. Children and youth from all economic backgrounds can experience it.

Childhood adversity can alter brain development, affecting emotional regulation, learning, memory, and stress-response systems. ACEs increase lifelong risk for chronic physical and mental health conditions, behavioral health challenges, substance misuse, and academic difficulties. Adversity is often compounded, with multiple stressors layering together to intensify impacts rather than occurring in isolation.