Find Your ACE Score: Childhood Trauma Assessment

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

Once or twice

Occasionally

Never

Often

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

Sometimes, but not often

Always, I was encouraged to express myself

Never, I feared expressing my emotions

Rarely, I felt like I had to suppress my emotions

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

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Never

Did you experience food insecurity or financial hardship growing up?

Rarely

Often

Sometimes

Never

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

Never

Almost always

Occasionally

Frequently

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

Never

Almost always, I felt unsafe at home

Frequently, and it scared me

Occasionally, but it didn’t seem serious

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

Almost always, I feared failure or disapproval

Occasionally, but it wasn’t extreme

Often, I felt pressure to meet high expectations

Never, I was accepted as I was

Did you witness verbal abuse between adults in your household?

Never

Frequently, and it made me uncomfortable

Occasionally, but it wasn’t constant

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

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

Yes, and it sometimes affected me

Yes, and it deeply affected me

Yes, but it did not affect me

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

Never

Almost always, I experienced deep emotional harm

Occasionally, but not in a severe way

Frequently, I was often made to feel small

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

Often, and it made me feel insecure

Almost always, I feared being abandoned or rejected

Never

Rarely, but it didn’t affect me deeply

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

Never

Rarely

Often

Sometimes

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

Never

Often

Rarely

Sometimes

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

Almost always, I felt like the parent in the relationship

Never

Often, I had to step into a caregiver role

Occasionally, but it wasn’t overwhelming

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

Yes, but I had little contact with them

Yes, and it affected my home life

Yes, and it caused significant hardship

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

Almost always

Frequently

Occasionally

Never

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

Often

No, never

Rarely

Sometimes

Did you experience frequent and unpredictable punishments as a child?

Almost always, discipline felt extreme or frightening

Occasionally, but not extreme

Often, and it felt unfair or harsh

No, discipline was fair and consistent

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

Almost always, I struggled with unmet needs

Occasionally, but not consistently

Never, my basic needs were always met

Often, I experienced financial hardship

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

Somewhat, but I’ve learned to trust

Yes, I struggle with trusting others

Completely, I find it very hard to trust people

No, I trust people easily

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.