The Problem
Childhood Adversity / ACEs

Childhood adversity is the bigger umbrella of adversity children can face in childhood. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is a common way to measure and understand chronic and ongoing adversity.

Children and youth from all economic backgrounds can experience childhood adversity. 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.

But these effects are not inevitable! Supportive relationships and environments can buffer harm and help children build resilience, heal, and thrive despite early challenges. Every adult can help prevent the consequences of childhood adversity by using child-centered practices that promote protective factors.