The ACE Pyramid

The ACE Pyramid depicts the conceptual framework of the ACE Study, which was designed to answer the question: “If risk factors for disease, disability, and early mortality are not randomly distributed, what early life influences precede the adoption or development of them?”

By taking a whole life perspective the ACE Study began to uncover how childhood stressors or ACEs affect health and social well-being throughout the lifespan 2

-Dr. Robert Block, Former President, American Academy of Pediatrics

In the absence of buffering relationships, exposure to ACEs not only affects brain development, it can change children’s hormonal systems, immune systems and even their DNA This can cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and physical health issues

Children exposed to ACEs are more likely to develop learning difficulties and other health problems like asthma or sleep disturbances They may also have difficulty sitting still in school or controlling emotions in challenging situations If left untreated, toxic stress can lead to lifelong health problems like heart disease or cancer. It also can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or suicide 12

A child's earliest experiences literally shape how the brain gets built, establishing either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the development and behavior that follows ACEs can harm the developing brains and bodies of young children and lead to poor mental and physical health across the lifespan. 21

Preventing and mitigating these experiences will benefit Palm Beach County by reducing crime, violence, substance abuse, unhealthy behaviors, and physical disease 6