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ACE

Take the ACE Quiz

You get one point for each type of trauma. The higher your ACE score, the higher your risk of disease, social and emotional problems as an adult. LEARN MORE on Ordinary Vegan Podcast #103: Childhood Trauma – The Link to Disease and Brain Health.

ACE Test

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… a) Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? or b) Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?

2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… a) Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? or b) Ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?

3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever… a) Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? or b) Attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?

4. Did you often or very often feel that … a) No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? or b) Your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?

5. Did you often or very often feel that … a) You didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you? or b) Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?

6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?

7. Was your parent/caregiver: a) Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped or had something thrown at him/her? or b) Sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? or c) Ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?

8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?

9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?

10. Did a household member go to prison?

Results Explained

A low ACE score 0-3 is generally considered good as it suggests lower risk for chronic health issues and social problems like drugs or alcohol.
A score of 4 or higher indicates a higher risk with each additional point representing a higher likelihood of experiencing various health and social challenges. 

 ACE scores don’t tally the positive experiences in early life that can help build strength and help protect a child from the effects of trauma like grandparents or any secure attachment with a safe, caring adult.