The importance of considering trauma in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: considerations and clinical recommendations
| Date | 06 December 2019 |
| Published date | 06 December 2019 |
| Pages | 23-28 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-11-2019-0049 |
| Author | Clare Sarah Allely,Lino Faccini |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
The importance of considering
trauma in individuals with autism
spectrum disorder: considerations and
clinical recommendations
Clare Sarah Allely and Lino Faccini
Abstract
Purpose –The area of trauma in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is an important area given the substantial
rates of abuse endured by these individuals. However, there are issues with the identification of trauma,
understanding how it is perceived, and manifested. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach –The limited research regarding trauma in ASD is reviewed and gaps
are identified.
Findings –The key findings from the relevant literature are discussed.
Practical implications –Practical suggestions are outlined for more effective identification of trauma in
individuals with ASD.
Originality/value –To date, there has been relatively little research on trauma and ASD. This paper
emphasises the urgent need for attention in this area.
Keywords Trauma, PTSD, Autism spectrum disorder, Posttraumatic stress disorder,
Asperger’s syndrome, Posttraumatic symptomatology
Paper type Research paper
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early onset, pervasive and lifelong neurodevelopmental
disorder which is characterised by impairments in social communication and repetitive, restricted
behaviour patterns and atypical response to sensory stimuli (DSM-V, APA, 2013). To date, only
one rigorous study of ASD prevalence in adults has been conducted (Brugha et al., 2011). This
investigation, which was conducted in England in 2007, produced an estimate of ASD in
1 per cent in the general population which is consistent with the findings from other investigations
(e.g. Simonoff, 2012). In the general population, the male–female ratio for ASD prevalence is
between 4 and 5:1 (Fombonne, 2009). The fifth edition of The Diagnostic Statistical Manual
(DSM-V, APA, 2013) characterises, what was previously three core areas of impairment, to two
core areas of impairment in ASD: first, “persistent deficits in social communication and social
interaction”; and second, “restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities”
(APA, 2013). Across individuals, impairment to these two core areas of impairment differs with
respect to nature and severity of symptoms.
Fuld (2018) recently highlighted findings which suggested that individuals with ASD may be at
increased risk for experiencing stressful and traumatic life events compared to neurotypical
individuals. For example, adult women with ASD report significant sexual abuse with the
prevalence rate 2–3 times higher than their peers (Brown-Lavoie et al., 2014). Despite high rates
of abuse, low rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported (King, 2010).
King (2010) suggested that this discrepancy may be accounted for by an individual with ASD,
with cognitive and language difficulties, understanding or expressing what occurred and/or
labelling an experience as trauma. Dell’Osso et al. (2016) also identified that the difficulties with
Received 6 November 2019
Revised 7 November 2019
Accepted 7 November 2019
The authors declare that there is
no conflict of interest. This paper
was unfunded.
Clare Sarah Allely is based at
the University of Salford,
Salford, UK.
Lino Faccini is Independent
Consultant and Licensed
Pyschologist based in
New York, USA.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-11-2019-0049 VOL. 22 NO. 1 2020, pp. 23-28, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
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JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
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