Childhood Trauma Test
Take this free childhood trauma assessment based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) framework. Answer 28 questions to discover how early experiences may have shaped your life across 7 categories. Visual results with percentage breakdowns. 100% private — nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
What Is the Childhood Trauma Test?
This childhood trauma test is an expanded assessment inspired by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study — one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse, neglect, and household challenges, originally conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente. While the original ACE questionnaire uses 10 yes/no questions, our version goes deeper with 28 questions across 7 categories, giving you percentage-based insights into different types of childhood experiences.
7 Categories Assessed
Emotional Abuse: Verbal attacks, humiliation, threats
Physical Abuse: Physical harm or threat of harm
Emotional Neglect: Lack of emotional support, feeling unloved
Physical Neglect: Unmet basic needs (food, safety, care)
Household Dysfunction: Substance abuse, mental illness, divorce
Attachment & Relationships: Trust, bonding, relationship patterns
Coping & Impact: Memory, emotional regulation, daily life effects
How the Childhood Trauma Test Works
You will answer 28 questions about your childhood experiences (before age 18). Each question asks how often something occurred, with answers ranging from "Never" to "Very Often." Your responses are scored per category and presented as percentage bars showing the relative impact in each area. A higher percentage indicates more significant experiences in that category.
Understanding Your ACE Score
The ACE score is a count of different types of adverse experiences. Research shows that people with higher ACE scores have increased risk for health issues, mental health challenges, and relationship difficulties. However, an ACE score is not a diagnosis — it is a starting point for understanding how childhood experiences may affect your present life. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy, fulfilling lives through resilience, supportive relationships, and professional help.
Why Childhood Trauma Matters
The original ACE study found that childhood trauma is remarkably common — about 67% of adults report at least one ACE, and 12.6% report four or more. Research links higher ACE scores to increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, chronic disease, and relationship challenges. Understanding your childhood experiences is the first step toward healing. This test helps you identify patterns so you can seek appropriate support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACE score?
The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score is a measure of different types of childhood adversity. The original ACE study used 10 yes/no questions. Our expanded version assesses 28 experiences across 7 categories, giving you percentage-based insights into each area of childhood experience.
Is this a clinical diagnosis?
No. This is a self-reflection and educational tool, not a clinical diagnosis. It is based on the ACE framework but is not administered by a professional. If your results concern you, please consult with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in trauma.
Is my data private?
Yes, completely. All questions and scoring happen entirely in your browser. No answers, results, or personal data are sent to any server, stored in any database, or shared with anyone. When you close the page, everything is gone.
What should I do if my score is high?
A high score does not mean you are broken or that your future is determined. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy, fulfilling lives. Consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in trauma (EMDR, CBT, or somatic experiencing). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is available 24/7.
Can childhood trauma be healed?
Yes. Research shows that trauma can be processed and its effects significantly reduced through therapy, supportive relationships, self-care practices, and time. The brain has neuroplasticity — the ability to form new neural pathways — which means healing and change are always possible.
Why do I have memory gaps about my childhood?
Memory gaps are a common trauma response called dissociative amnesia. When experiences are overwhelming, the brain may block or fragment memories as a protective mechanism. This does not mean something terrible happened — but it is worth exploring with a trauma-informed therapist.
How common are adverse childhood experiences?
Very common. The original CDC-Kaiser ACE study found that about 67% of adults report at least one ACE, and 12.6% report four or more. You are not alone, and experiencing childhood adversity does not define you.