What is the Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Experiences Among Individuals with ASD?
Question
What is the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic experiences among individuals with ASD?
Answer
Establishing a precise prevalence rate for trauma in the autistic community remains challenging, but research highlights elevated rates of traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a study of adults with autism, over 40% met criteria for probable PTSD within the previous month, and over 60% reported probable PTSD across their lifetime. Additionally, almost 43% of participants reported experiencing four or more distinct trauma types, ranging from physical or sexual assault to non-DSM-5 recognized events such as bullying, social exclusion, and severe social stress. Because many traumatic events experienced by autistic individuals do not fit traditional diagnostic criteria, trauma often remains unrecognized and underdiagnosed.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, OT Interventions For Higher Ed Neurodivergent Students, presented by ATE Creation.
Christopher Edwards
OTR, OTD
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