An Exploration of Traumatic Life Experiences and Traumatic Sequelae in Autistic Individuals

Abstract

The first chapter of this thesis is a systematic review of the literature exploring the experiences that are perceived as traumatic, and the resulting trauma-related symptomology, in autistic individuals. The narrative and thematic synthesis suggested that autistic individuals report perceiving a similar
range of experiences to be traumatic, and experience similar trauma-related symptomology to the general population. Several potentially unique traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms were found. Additionally, differences were implied in the way that trauma presents in autistic adults compared with autistic children and individuals with co-occurring Intellectual disabilities. High quality research is needed to enrich understanding of trauma in autistic individuals from first- hand perspectives. This chapter concludes with clinical implications and recommendations for future research.

The second chapter of this thesis is a qualitative empirical study exploring the experiences of autistic adults who have engaged in psychological support for trauma-related symptoms. Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with eight participants, aged 30-50 years old. Interview
transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, identifying four themes: ‘Accessing support that fits my needs’, ‘Recognising trauma in autistic adults’, ‘Clinician understanding of the context of autism’ and ‘Not just doing therapy at me but working with me to do therapy’. The findings provided insight into the barriers experienced by autistic adults in accessing appropriate trauma-focused psychological support, the importance of clinician authenticity, and meaningful adaptations to therapeutic mechanisms. This chapter concludes with directions for future research and clinical implications for psychological support providers and clinicians in meeting the needs of this population.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Catherine Brignell: orcid.org/0000-0001-7768-6272

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