This Online Quiz Aids Adults in Recognizing Their Adverse Childhood Experiences

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While enjoying a weekend getaway with my partner, I stumbled upon the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) during a quiet moment in our hotel room. As my husband prepared for dinner, I found myself engrossed in a TEDx talk by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris that a friend had described as essential viewing. Intrigued, I learned that many individuals I know, especially those in my adoption and foster care community, have faced at least one ACE. The significance of a person’s ACE score can greatly influence their physical, emotional, and mental well-being in adulthood.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

An Adverse Childhood Experience refers to “highly stressful” and “potentially traumatic” events that occur before the age of eighteen. These can be singular incidents, multiple occurrences, or ongoing situations. ACEs can undermine an individual’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. Examples of ACEs include sexual assault, parental divorce or death, suicide, physical abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, mental health issues, or family incarceration.

Understanding the impact of these experiences is crucial. “When adverse events are not mitigated by a nurturing adult or supportive environment, or when they are recurring or overwhelming, they can trigger a toxic stress response.” This response can adversely affect a child’s developing brain and body, leading to far-reaching negative consequences for health and life outcomes as adults. Imagine a line of standing dominos; one ACE can topple the first domino, setting off a chain reaction.

If you relate to the experiences listed, you’re certainly not alone. Research from the CDC indicates that 61% of surveyed adults have experienced at least one ACE, with one in six adults facing four or more. “ACEs are associated with chronic health issues, mental health disorders, and substance abuse in adulthood,” and they can detrimentally affect educational achievements, job prospects, and earning potential. Therefore, understanding your ACE score is important, but it’s not the sole factor that defines you.

Determining Your ACE Score

You can determine your ACE score by completing a ten-question yes-or-no quiz available on the ACE Resource Network’s site, Number Story. After acquiring your score, you might ponder the next steps. Your narrative is not solely defined by your ACE count; trauma is complex, and you have the agency to decide how to address it.

One insightful yet dense read is “The Body Keeps the Score,” often regarded as the definitive guide on trauma by mental health professionals. The book explains how trauma alters brain function. The encouraging news is that while trauma can rewire the brain, it is also possible to rewire it for healing. However, this transformation requires dedication and resources.

Steps for Healing

So, what healing steps might be beneficial? I spoke with Dr. Jamie Thompson, a neuropsychologist based in New York City and a faculty member at Columbia University, who shared strategies for rewiring our brains post-trauma.

The first step is to take the Number Story quiz and share your results with your healthcare provider. This action can help normalize discussions about adverse childhood experiences and their effects on life. Acknowledging your past is empowering; it diminishes the grip that secrecy often holds over these experiences. (On a personal note, I found “Daring Greatly” by Sarah Lee to be a valuable exploration of shame and secrecy.) Shedding light on painful truths can be transformative.

Next, begin addressing “unresolved issues” related to your ACEs. As you work through these challenges with a therapist, pairing negative memories with positive experiences can be incredibly healing. This therapeutic process allows survivors to foster healthier neural connections related to trust. Various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, can be effective; the latter is a method recently endorsed by public figures like Prince Harry.

The third step involves making lifestyle adjustments, ideally under professional guidance. Dr. Thompson notes that chronic stress from ACEs can keep our bodies in a constant state of fight or flight, hindering homeostasis. By introducing positive stimuli—like nutritious foods and soothing music—ACE survivors can significantly benefit their overall well-being. While therapy and lifestyle changes are crucial, medication may also be an option if needed.

Recognizing the Impact of ACEs

If you recognize that you’ve faced an ACE or more, avoid dismissing its impact. Toxic stress can affect how your body manages stress and brain development, potentially leading to significant health issues in adulthood, including substance abuse, chronic illnesses, and mental health disorders. ACEs are linked to serious risks such as suicide, cancer, and heart disease, as well as complications with employment and relationships.

The good news is that while ACEs can leave lasting scars, there is hope. By acknowledging these experiences and their effects, survivors can embark on a healing journey.

Further Resources

For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post and for authoritative information, visit Make a Mom. For further resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, you can also explore Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.

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Summary

This article discusses how an online quiz can help adults identify their Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and understand their potential impact on mental and physical health. It outlines the definition of ACEs, their prevalence, and the importance of recognizing and addressing these experiences. Steps for healing, including therapy and lifestyle changes, are suggested, emphasizing the potential for recovery despite past traumas.