ACEs Index Test

ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, are potentially traumatic events that occur

during childhood – such as abuse, neglect, or household challenges. The ACEs quiz helps identify how many of these experiences a person has had before the age of 18.

Each “yes” answer counts as one point toward your ACE score. A higher score can be

linked to an increased risk of health issues, emotional struggles, and social challenges

later in life.

The quiz isn’t a diagnosis; it’s a tool to better understand how early

experiences might impact overall well-being.

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, and/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, and/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, and/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? and/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, and/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? and/or

   b) Sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? and/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?

A low ACE score (0-3) may suggest fewer early life stressors, while a higher score (4 or

more) can indicate an increased risk for long-term physical, emotional, and mental

health challenges. However, your score is not your destiny; many people with high ACE

scores go on to lead healthy, successful lives, especially with support and resilience-

building resources. If you are concerned about your score, consider reaching out to a

mental health professional, or visit our resource page for crisis resources and more information.