ACE score

The ACE score, or Adverse Childhood Experiences score, measures how many difficult or traumatic experiences a person had during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household problems. It’s used to understand how early adversity can impact health and well-being later in life. A higher ACE score suggests a greater exposure to stress and trauma, which research shows can increase the risk of physical and mental health issues as adults. The goal is to identify early risks so that appropriate support and interventions can help improve long-term outcomes.