Childhood Experiences Check

ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Questionnaire

⏱ 3–5 min 10 questions Free · Private

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About this check

The ACE study showed that adverse childhood experiences — abuse, neglect, household dysfunction — are common and are linked to mental and physical health in adulthood. The questionnaire counts how many of ten categories you experienced before age 18. The score is an estimate of early-life adversity load, not a judgement of your family or your past.

Important: A high ACE score is a risk factor, not a destiny. Many people with high ACE scores go on to live meaningful, healthy lives — often with the help of therapy, stable relationships, and time. A low score does not mean childhood was easy, and other adversities (poverty, war, migration, disability) are not fully captured here.

What your score means

No ACEs reported · score 0–0

You did not report any of the ten ACE categories. That is the most protective end of this particular scale. It does not mean your childhood was without difficulty — other adversities exist beyond these ten items.

Some early adversity · score 1–3

You reported 1 to 3 of the ten ACE categories. This is relatively common. People in this range have somewhat higher risk than average for mental and physical health problems, though many also live full, resilient lives.

Significant early adversity · score 4–6

You reported 4 or more ACEs — the point at which research begins to show substantially higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance use, and chronic illness. A high score is an explanation, not an accusation.

High early adversity · score 7–10

You reported 7 or more ACEs. This is at the higher end of what this scale measures and is associated with substantial risk for a range of mental and physical health difficulties.

How it works

Before your 18th birthday…

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If you are in crisis: Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24/7, many Indian languages) or 112 for emergencies. You can also reach iCall, Vandrevala Foundation, or AASRA.