Abstract
Research indicates that trauma can intensify autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Autism is a developmental disability that causes significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Individuals with autism experience trauma ranging from exclusion to violence. In fact, many research studies indicate that people with autism have higher risks of traumatic experiences such as financial hardship, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and separation from their family. The chapter will address why individuals with autism are more likely to experience and struggle from traumas, how isolation can contribute to trauma, the symptoms of trauma in an autistic individual, and how trauma-informed care can help support improvements.
TopCleary et al. (2020) define Trauma Informed Care as recognizing the needs of survivors by focusing on a system wide design and support during recovery, minimizing the risk of re-traumatization, and maximizing choice and empowerment for new adaptations and post traumatic growth. The Center for Disease Control describes Six Principles to Trauma Informed Care (2020)(Appendix: Figure 1):
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Safety – ensure physical and emotional safety.
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Trustworthiness – maximize trustworthiness, making tasks clear maintaining appropriate boundaries.
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Peer Support – peer support and self-help services offer to provide safety and hope.
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Collaboration and Mutuality – partnering and leveling of power among consumer and providers, allowing control over treatment and recovery.
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Empowerment, voice and choice- promote client centered recovery with the understanding of power differentials.
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Cultural, historical and gender issues – offering services sensitive to the gender, culture and unique background of the individual.
Adopting a trauma-informed approach is not accomplished through any single specific technique rather it occurs through ongoing attention, a focus on caring for the individual, sensitivity to needs and openness to change at the organizational level.
TopIndividuals With Autism Are Likely To Experience Trauma
Stack and Lucyshyn, (2019) conclude that children with autism not only incur trauma but that they have increased vulnerabilities for experiencing trauma. It is important to understand the trauma experience for the autistic individual during treatment. As a foundation, to understanding the relationship between trauma and autism, awareness of increased traumatic risk is critical. The following will provide a brief summary of five research studies that conclude, individuals with autism are more likely to experience trauma than their neuro-typical peers.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Trauma-Informed Care: Trauma-informed care as recognizing the needs of survivors by focusing on a system wide design and support during recovery, minimizing the risk of re-traumatization, and maximizing choice and empowerment for new adaptations and post traumatic growth (Cleary et al., 2020).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE): Potentially traumatic events occurring between the ages of 0-17.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders that may include difficulties with social communication and repetitive behaviors.
Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS): Post-traumatic stress symptoms which may include re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing events, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or increased arousal.
Neurotypical: Not displaying atypical patters of thoughts or behaviors.
Trauma: Deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Therapy that applies psychological learning principles to modify behavior.
Multidisciplinary: Combining or involving several academic or professional specializations to approach a topic or problem.
Autism: Developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication of behavioral challenges.