Mind & Match Blog

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Lasting Impact on Health

At Mind and Match, we believe that healing begins with understanding—and one of the most powerful frameworks for understanding the roots of emotional and physical health challenges is the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

What Are ACEs?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. First identified in a groundbreaking study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente, ACEs include a range of experiences related to:

• Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
• Neglect (emotional or physical)
• Household dysfunction (such as parental mental illness, substance abuse, incarceration, domestic violence, or divorce)

The original ACE Study involved more than 17,000 adult participants and revealed a clear connection between childhood adversity and long-term health outcomes.

Why ACEs Matter: The Link Between Trauma and Health

Over the past few decades, science has deepened our understanding of how early trauma affects the brain, body, and behavior. Chronic exposure to stress during childhood—often called toxic stress—can disrupt developing systems and create lasting biological changes.

These changes are not just psychological. They influence the immune system, brain development, and even gene expression, putting individuals at higher risk for a range of health issues across their lifespan.

The Lifelong Impact of ACEs

The consequences of ACEs are both widespread and profound. Research shows that people with four or more ACEs are:

• 38 times more likely to attempt suicide
• 11 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia
• 3 times more likely to suffer from chronic lower respiratory disease
• 2 to 2.5 times more likely to experience stroke, cancer, or heart disease
• 1.5 times more likely to have diabetes

Even more sobering: Individuals withsix or more ACEs have an average life expectancy that is 19 years shorter than those with no ACEs.

Mental health is also deeply affected. High ACE scores are strongly linked to conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sleep disorders. They also correlate with risky behaviors, including substance use and high-risk sexual activity.

How Mind and Match Supports Clients with ACEs

At Mind and Match, we recognize the critical role that adverse childhood experiences play in shaping adult health and well-being. That’s why we screen for ACEs as part of our intake and assessment process.

But more importantly, we use this information thoughtfully. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s unique history, symptoms, and strengths. Understanding your ACE history helps us provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that addresses the root causes, not just the symptoms.

We believe that healing is possible, no matter what you’ve experienced. With the right support and treatment, the effects of trauma can be mitigated—and replaced with resilience, connection, and growth.