Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – What They Are and Why They Matter

Most people don’t realize how profoundly early experiences in life can shape mental, emotional, and physical health. Yet research continues to show that what happens in childhood doesn’t stay in childhood—it shows up in how we parent, how we cope with stress, how we form relationships, and even how our bodies function.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

That’s why it’s so important to understand Adverse Childhood Experiences, or “ACEs.” The term originated from the groundbreaking ACE Study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente in the 1990s (Felitti et al., 1998).

ACEs are commonly categorized into three areas:

–Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual

–Neglect: Physical or emotional

–Household dysfunction: Includes parental mental illness, substance abuse, incarceration, divorce, and domestic violence

These experiences are more common than many realize. According to national data, nearly 1 in 6 adults report having experienced four or more ACEs (CDC, 2023). And the more ACEs someone has, the greater the impact can be. In Washington State, roughly 62% of adults report experiencing at least one ACE, and about 17% report four or more (NAMI Southwest Washington, n.d.). In Oregon, more than one in five teens (22.4%) have experienced multiple ACEs—higher than the national average (Oregon Health Authority [OHA], 2018). For families in the Pacific Northwest, this means many children and young adults are carrying more emotional weight than meets the eye.

ACEs matter because they don’t just shape how kids feel in the moment—they shape how brains and bodies develop. High ACE scores are strongly associated with an increased risk of physical and mental health challenges across the lifespan. Chronic stress in childhood can disrupt everything from memory and concentration to immune function and emotional regulation (Center on the Developing Child, 2023). This can translate into real-life struggles with various areas, including school, work, friendships, and decision-making.

For teens and young adults, these early traumas can manifest in ways that both themselves and the people in their lives may find confusing or frustrating: emotional struggles, withdrawal from social activities, self-doubt, academic difficulties and/or decline, persistent anxiety, or sudden changes in behavior. Understanding that these may be rooted in early stress helps shift the focus from “What’s wrong with them?” to “How can I support them?”

Identifying Adverse Childhood Experiences

Identifying these events isn’t about blaming families or the past—it’s about understanding what may be beneath the surface and building a path forward.

ACEs and associated experiences are a common concern when people seek psychological services. A teen who seems angry or disconnected may be struggling to manage emotions rooted in past instability. A young adult who avoids relationships or sabotages success may be reenacting early lessons about safety and trust. A student failing in class may have an undiagnosed learning disorder made worse by persistent anxiety and depression. And parents—many of whom are carrying their own unhealed experiences—often find themselves unsure how to support their children without repeating harmful patterns.

But here’s the good news: adversity is not destiny.

The brain remains incredibly adaptive and capable of healing, and healing is absolutely possible— especially when supported by caring relationships and effective interventions. Research shows that even one stable, supportive relationship with an adult can significantly buffer the effects of early trauma (Center on the Developing Child, 2023). And for teens and young adults, seeking formal evaluation to identify specific struggles, or working with a therapist trained in trauma-informed care can help them build emotional tools that last a lifetime.

At Endeavor Psychology & Consulting, I specialize in supporting teens, young adults, and families across Vancouver and the surrounding area. I focus on psychological evaluation services to help make sense of the difficult constellation of symptoms that individuals experience. My process is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel empowered.

Parents and caregivers often ask: “How can I help my child who’s had a rough start?” Truthfully, you play a pivotal role in buffering the effects of childhood adversity. Whether your child is still in high school or entering adulthood, here are some practical and powerful ways to begin:

–Cultivate awareness. Learn about ACEs and reflect on how they may have touched your family (ACEs are often experienced in multiple generations). This awareness opens the door to compassion and change.

–Create structure and safety. Predictable routines, healthy sleep, physical activity, family downtime, and calm communication help kids and teens feel secure—even when emotions run high.

–Model regulation. Children and teens learn emotional coping by watching how adults handle stress. Practicing self-regulation and talking openly about your stress and how you manage it (in an age-appropriate way) is powerful modeling.

–Seek professional help. If your teen is showing signs of depression, withdrawal, self-harm, or intense anxiety, a therapist can help uncover what’s underneath and offer tools to move forward.

Getting Help

And if you’re a teen or young adult reading this, know this: It’s normal to struggle with confusing feelings, anxiety, or self-doubt—especially if you’ve experienced trauma. But there is nothing “broken” about you. There are ways to feel better, think clearer, and build a life you’re proud of. You don’t need to have all the answers or shoulder everything alone. You’re allowed to seek support. Your past may be part of your story, but it doesn’t define you. You don’t need to have had a “bad enough” experience to deserve help. ACEs don’t just happen in chaotic homes; they happen in all kinds of families, often behind closed doors and buried under unspoken feelings.

Understanding ACEs isn’t about labeling or diagnosing—it’s about creating space for awareness, accountability, and care. When families begin to understand the effects of early adversity, they can interrupt harmful cycles and make intentional choices rooted in compassion instead of reactivity. This can spark a particularly powerful shift in the dynamic of relationships. Families feel more connected. Teens feel less alone. Young adults find the strength to build healthier, more meaningful lives.

ACEs are common—and powerful—but so is the ability to heal and grow. When we understand the roots of trauma, we create space for change, both within individuals and in families.

To learn more or schedule an evaluation consultation, visit www.endeavor-psych.com.

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