What are adverse childhood experiences?

Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events that happen before age 18. They include abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, witnessing violence, and growing up with caregivers who struggled with substance use or mental health conditions. Research shows over 60% of adults have experienced at least one ACE.

How accurate is this trauma test?

This trauma test is based on the well-established ACE framework backed by decades of research from organizations like the CDC. While no self-assessment can capture the full complexity of someone's childhood, it analyzes multiple factors including your home environment, family dynamics, and early experiences to provide a reliable picture of your potential trauma exposure.

Can childhood trauma be healed?

Yes. While you cannot undo the past, trauma-informed therapy, supportive relationships, and self-awareness can significantly reduce the impact of childhood trauma on your daily life. Many people who address their ACEs go on to build healthier relationships, manage stress better, and improve their overall wellbeing.

What if I don't remember much about my childhood?

That is completely normal. Memory gaps around childhood, especially early childhood, are common. Some people also block out painful memories without realizing it. Answer the questions based on what you do remember and consider working with a therapist to safely explore the rest.

Why should I take a childhood trauma test?

Understanding your early experiences helps you make sense of patterns in your adult life. Instead of wondering why you react the way you do in relationships, at work, or under stress, an ACE test gives you a clear starting point for understanding yourself and taking meaningful steps toward healing.

Health Library

Free Childhood Trauma Test

Find out whether early life experiences may be affecting your wellbeing today. This short ACE test is based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences framework developed through research by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente.

What to expect

10 questions about experiences during your first 18 years
~1-2 minutes to complete, simple yes or no format
Based on the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study , a research-backed framework

Important to know

This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It's designed to help you reflect on childhood experiences and their potential impact.

What is a Childhood Trauma Test?

A childhood trauma test is a self-assessment tool designed to help you reflect on difficult experiences you may have gone through before the age of 18. It draws from the well-established Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) framework, which was developed through decades of research to understand how early life events can shape your emotional and physical health as an adult.

Why Take a Childhood Trauma Test?

A lot of people go through life feeling like something is off but they can't quite put their finger on what it is. These patterns often trace back to childhood, and a childhood trauma test can help connect those dots.

Understand Yourself Better

Instead of guessing why you feel or react the way you do, a trauma test gives you concrete insight into early experiences that may be driving those patterns.

Quick and Private

Complete the entire ACE test in just a few minutes from your phone, tablet, or computer. Your responses stay confidential.

Personalized Guidance

Unlike generic quizzes that hand you a number and leave, August explains what your results mean in plain language and offers relevant next steps.

No Pressure

This is not a therapy session. There is no judgment. You go at your own pace, and if you need to pause and come back later, that is perfectly fine.

How It Works

Five simple steps from start to ongoing support - the entire process takes just a few minutes.

Start the Test

Open the test and answer 10 straightforward questions about your childhood. No prep needed - just answer honestly.

Answer Questions

Simple yes or no questions covering your home environment, family relationships, and emotional support during childhood.

Get Your Results

Your responses are analyzed and explained in simple language - where you fall on the spectrum and what it means for your health today.

Ask Follow-Up Questions

Not sure what something means? August explains your results, answers questions about ACEs, and helps you think through next steps.

Get Ongoing Support

Ongoing tips for healthier coping and guidance toward the right professional support when you're ready.

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events that happen before age 18. The original ACE study found that these experiences are surprisingly common - over 60% of adults report at least one, and more than 1 in 5 report three or more.

The 10 ACEs measured by this test fall into two categories:

Abuse & Neglect

This covers emotional abuse (being put down, humiliated, or threatened), physical abuse (being hit, grabbed, or injured), sexual abuse, emotional neglect (feeling unloved or unsupported), and physical neglect (not having basic needs met).

Household Dysfunction

This includes growing up with a parent or household member who struggled with substance abuse or mental illness, witnessing domestic violence, experiencing parental separation or divorce, or having a household member go to prison.

How Childhood Trauma Affects Your Health

The connection between childhood adversity and adult health is backed by decades of research. Studies show that the more ACEs a person has experienced, the higher their risk for things like depression, anxiety, chronic disease, substance use challenges, and difficulty in relationships.

But this is the part that matters most: these outcomes are not locked in. Research also shows that addressing childhood trauma through therapy, self-awareness, and supportive relationships can significantly improve long-term wellbeing. People who understand their ACE history and take steps to address it often see real improvements in their mental health, their relationships, and their overall quality of life.

Taking a trauma test is often the very first step in that process.

What Your Score Means

Your ACE score is a simple count of the number of categories of adverse experiences you reported. It is not a measure of severity, and it does not predict any specific outcome. Here is a general guide to interpreting your score.

Low Exposure

Your responses suggest low exposure to the specific ACEs measured here. This is a positive indicator, though it does not mean you have never faced challenges.

1-3

Mild to Moderate

Some exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Even a score of 1 can influence emotional patterns and stress responses in adulthood. This range is incredibly common.

4-6

Significant

Research shows this range is associated with notably higher risks for mental and physical health challenges. This does not define you, but it is important information.

7-10

High Exposure

The experiences you went through were substantial. Professional support from a trauma-informed therapist is strongly recommended. Healing is absolutely possible.

Things to Keep in Mind

Be Honest With Yourself

The ACE test relies on the accuracy of your answers. Try to respond based on what actually happened, not what you wish had happened or what feels easier to say.

This Is Not a Diagnosis

While this childhood trauma test provides reliable insight based on established research, it is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.

Memory Gaps Are Normal

If you don't remember parts of your childhood clearly, that is more common than you think. Some people unconsciously block out painful memories as a protective mechanism.

It Might Bring Up Emotions

Reflecting on childhood experiences can stir up strong feelings. That is completely okay. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break and come back when you're ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the First Step Toward Understanding

Take your free childhood trauma test today and turn self-awareness into a meaningful step toward healing.