The term "adverse childhood experience" refers to a range of negative situations a child may face or witness while growing up. These experiences include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse ; emotional or physical neglect; parental separation or divorce ; or living in a household in which domestic violence occurs. Other difficult situations include living in a household with an alcoholic or substa
What Is Adverse Childhood Experiences? (Plain Language Explanation)
Adverse Childhood Experiences refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Symptoms: The specific ways adverse childhood experiences shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen adverse childhood experiences
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When adverse childhood experiences occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Adverse Childhood Experiences is far more common than most people realize
- Adverse Childhood Experiences is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with adverse childhood experiences see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about adverse childhood experiences is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing adverse childhood experiences, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.