Adverse childhood experiences (aces) screening

ACEs screening is a quick way for a doctor to learn whether a patient has had traumatic or stressful childhood experiences.

Stress from ACEs can affect a person's health. This is true during childhood and into adulthood. When doctors know what types of childhood stress a person has had, they can better help with the effects of that stress.

For example, knowing about a child's ACEs can help a doctor find the right ways to help with things like sleep or behavior issues. And knowing about ACEs in an adult can help a doctor understand that person's risk for certain health issues. That can help a doctor choose the right resources to share.

ACEs are common. When doctors know about them, they can better support you and your family.

In most cases, ACEs screening is done using a form. You might fill out the form before or at the start of a doctor visit.

The form has a list of questions about traumatic or stressful childhood experiences. The questions will ask about things like:

• Parent or caregiver separation or divorce.
• Household members with mental health or substance use problems.
• Abuse.

You'll answer "yes" or "no" to each question on the form. At the end of the form, you might be asked to count up the number of questions you answered "yes" to.