Find Your ACE Score: Childhood Trauma Assessment

Did you experience frequent yelling, insults, or belittling from a parent or guardian?

Never

Almost always

Occasionally

Frequently

Were you ever physically harmed by a parent or guardian (e.g., hit, slapped, pushed)?

Occasionally

Once or twice

Often

Never

Did you experience food insecurity or financial hardship growing up?

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Did your childhood experiences make it hard to trust people as an adult?

Completely, I find it very hard to trust people

Somewhat, but I’ve learned to trust

Yes, I struggle with trusting others

No, I trust people easily

Before age 18, did a parent or guardian suffer from depression, anxiety, or another mental illness?

Yes, and it sometimes affected me

Yes, but it did not affect me

Yes, and it deeply affected me

Did you struggle to have basic needs met (e.g., food, clean clothes, a stable home)?

Often, I experienced financial hardship

Occasionally, but not consistently

Never, my basic needs were always met

Almost always, I struggled with unmet needs

Did a close family member go to prison during your childhood?

Yes, and it affected my home life

Yes, but I had little contact with them

Yes, and it caused significant hardship

Did you ever feel like you had to take care of a parent emotionally or physically?

Occasionally, but it wasn’t overwhelming

Often, I had to step into a caregiver role

Never

Almost always, I felt like the parent in the relationship

Before the age of 18, did you often feel unsafe or scared in your home?

Never

Rarely

Often

Sometimes

Did you grow up in a household where substance abuse (alcohol or drugs) was present?

Sometimes

No, never

Rarely

Often

Were you ever shamed, humiliated, or embarrassed by a caregiver?

Frequently, I was often made to feel small

Never

Occasionally, but not in a severe way

Almost always, I experienced deep emotional harm

Did you ever witness or experience threats of violence in your home?

Almost always, I felt unsafe at home

Frequently, and it scared me

Occasionally, but it didn’t seem serious

Never

Did you experience frequent and unpredictable punishments as a child?

Occasionally, but not extreme

Often, and it felt unfair or harsh

No, discipline was fair and consistent

Almost always, discipline felt extreme or frightening

Did you experience emotional neglect (e.g., feeling unloved or unimportant)?

Rarely

Often

Sometimes

Never

Did a caregiver ever threaten to abandon you or withdraw love as punishment?

Never

Often, and it made me feel insecure

Rarely, but it didn’t affect me deeply

Almost always, I feared being abandoned or rejected

Did you grow up feeling like you had to be “perfect” to earn love or approval?

Often, I felt pressure to meet high expectations

Almost always, I feared failure or disapproval

Occasionally, but it wasn’t extreme

Never, I was accepted as I was

Were you frequently left alone or felt like no one was taking care of you?

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Often

Did you witness violence in your household (e.g., domestic abuse between parents)?

Occasionally

Frequently

Almost always

Never

Did you witness verbal abuse between adults in your household?

Never

Almost always, I grew up in a high-conflict home

Frequently, and it made me uncomfortable

Occasionally, but it wasn’t constant

Did you feel emotionally safe expressing your thoughts and feelings at home?

Never, I feared expressing my emotions

Sometimes, but not often

Always, I was encouraged to express myself

Rarely, I felt like I had to suppress my emotions

Find Your ACE Score: Childhood Trauma Assessment

Childhood Trauma Impact

Your responses indicate a high level of childhood adversity, which could have lasting effects on your mental and emotional well-being. If these experiences still impact your life, reaching out for professional support can be an important step toward healing. Remember, your past does not define you, and healing is possible with the right support and coping strategies.

Significant Childhood Adversity

You may have experienced a challenging childhood with multiple adverse events. These experiences could still influence your emotions, relationships, or mental health today. Seeking therapy, self-care practices, and building positive relationships can help you work through past difficulties and build resilience.

Some Adversity, Some Resilience

Your results suggest that you faced some difficult experiences growing up, which may have impacted you emotionally or mentally. However, resilience, support systems, and personal growth can help you navigate these challenges. Reflecting on past experiences and seeking support when needed can be beneficial.

Resilient Childhood

Your childhood may have been stable and supportive with minimal adverse experiences. While everyone faces challenges, your early years likely provided a strong foundation for emotional well-being. If you do experience stress or anxiety, seeking self-care strategies can still be beneficial.

Your ACE score is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of the experiences that have shaped your journey. Whether your childhood was marked by stability or adversity, each experience has contributed to your unique perspective on life. A higher ACE score may indicate challenges, but it also highlights your resilience and ability to overcome. Remember, your past does not define your future. By understanding your ACE score, you can take meaningful steps toward healing, building healthy relationships, and creating a fulfilling life. Embrace your story—it’s a testament to your strength.

Did you know?

Studies show that individuals with higher ACE scores are more likely to face challenges such as chronic health issues, mental health struggles, and difficulties in relationships. However, research also highlights the power of resilience. Building strong social connections, practicing mindfulness, and seeking therapy or support can significantly improve outcomes. Understanding your ACE score is the first step toward unlocking your potential for healing and growth!

How to play

Answer each of the 20 questions honestly based on your childhood experiences. Each question will have four options, reflecting varying levels of adversity or support. Your answers will help calculate your ACE score, which determines your final result. The quiz is not a diagnostic tool but a way to better understand your journey. Take your time, reflect on your past, and discover how it has shaped your resilience and growth. Let’s get started!