Adverse Childhood Experiences Online Test

Our relationships and experiences—even those in childhood—can affect our health and well-being. Difficult childhood experiences are very common. Please tell us whether you have had any of the experiences listed below, as they may be affecting your health today or may affect your health in the future. This information will help you and your provider better understand how to work together to support your health and well-being.


Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No

Yes
No




What the ACEs Questionnaire Evaluates

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire is a brief screening tool presented above asks whether you have experienced specific categories of adversity before age 18. It focuses on three broad domains: abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect (physical and emotional), and household dysfunction (for example, parental substance use, mental illness, domestic violence, parental separation or divorce, and incarceration of a household member). The measure is designed to identify common, impactful childhood experiences that research has linked to later physical and mental health outcomes.

How the ACEs Questionnaire Is Scored

The standard ACEs questionnaire above presented you with 10 yes/no items. Each affirmative answer counts as one point. Points are summed to create a total ACE score ranging from 0 to 10. The scoring is intentionally simple: it captures cumulative exposure rather than weighting for severity, frequency, or timing. A higher total indicates a greater number of different categories of childhood adversity.

What the Score Means

An ACE score provides a snapshot of exposure to early adversity. Interpreting the score involves several general principles:

  • 0–1: Few or no measured ACE categories. Many people with low scores do not experience long‑term problems related to ACEs. Protective relationships and supports can further reduce risk.
  • 2–3: Moderate exposure. Risk for mental health conditions (depression, anxiety), substance use, and some medical problems is higher compared with those reporting 0–1 ACEs. This score often indicates the value of targeted assessment and early intervention when symptoms are present.
  • 4 or more: Higher cumulative exposure. Research has shown that individuals with four or more ACEs are at substantially increased risk for a range of mental and physical health conditions across the lifespan. This score typically prompts a more comprehensive, trauma‑informed evaluation and consideration of integrated treatment and supports.

Important caveats:

  • The ACE score is a screening indicator, not a diagnosis. It signals the need for a careful clinical interview to understand how past events relate to current symptoms, functioning, and safety.
  • The questionnaire measures categories of adversity, not the severity, chronicity, timing, or subjective impact. Two people with the same ACE score can have very different needs and outcomes.
  • The ACE score does not measure protective factors (for example, supportive caregivers, later therapeutic relationships, community resources) that heavily influence resilience and recovery.

Clinical and Practical Interpretation

At East Valley Psychiatric Services, we use the ACE score as one component of a broader assessment. A higher score increases the probability that early adversity contributes to current problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, chronic stress, or certain medical conditions. In practice, the score helps guide conversations about coping, safety, and evidence‑based treatment options, and it assists in prioritizing additional screening (for example, suicide risk, substance use, or current interpersonal violence).

Limitations and Ethical Considerations

Because the ACE questionnaire is brief and retrospective, it has limitations:

  • It omits many meaningful adversities (community violence, discrimination, bullying, homelessness) and does not capture trauma outside the household.
  • Recall bias and reluctance to disclose sensitive experiences can affect results.
  • Asking ACE questions can be distressing; screening should be done with informed consent and a plan for follow‑up support if needed.

What to Do After Taking the ACEs Questionnaire

If your score is elevated or the questions bring up strong emotions, consider the following steps:

  • Share your results with a compassionate PMHNP so they can include your history in a trauma‑informed assessment and collaborative treatment plan.
  • Discuss current symptoms and functioning—depression, anxiety, sleep problems, substance use, or relationship difficulties—to determine next steps.
  • Consider evidence‑based treatments for trauma‑related conditions (for example, trauma‑focused therapies, CBT, EMDR) and coordinate care when medication may help manage symptoms.
  • Ask about community resources and social supports—case management, peer support, housing or financial assistance—because addressing social needs often improves clinical outcomes.
  • If you experience suicidal thoughts, recent self‑harm, or immediate danger, seek emergency help or call your local crisis line right away.

Final Notes

The ACEs questionnaire is a useful screening tool that highlights past exposures known to influence long‑term health. Its greatest value is as a starting point for trauma‑informed dialogue, comprehensive assessment, and coordinated care. A higher ACE score increases the need for careful evaluation and often indicates benefit from targeted therapies and supports—but it does not determine fate. Many adults with ACE histories recover and thrive with appropriate treatment, supportive relationships, and access to resources.

East Valley Psychiatric Services