Over half of the U.S. population has suffered least one adverse childhood experience, which includes various types of abuse and household dysfunction. Health literature has repeatedly linked adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with unfavorable adult health outcomes including mental illness, various chronic illnesses, disability, and early death. Toxic stress resulting from ACEs affects brain development in infants and young children and changes the architecture of the brain. These changes influence behavior, learning, and overall health. In order to provide appropriate care to ACE survivors, it is important for nurse practitioners to be aware of the detrimental effects of ACEs on adult health.