Autistic traits in childhood and post-traumatic stress disorder as young adults: a cohort study / Alice M.G. QUINTON in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 66-10 (October 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry > 66-10 (October 2025) . - p.1514-1525 Titre : Autistic traits in childhood and post-traumatic stress disorder as young adults: a cohort study Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Alice M.G. QUINTON, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Angelica RONALD, Auteur ; Helen L. FISHER, Auteur ; Louise ARSENEAULT, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Andrea DANESE, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1514-1525 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  autism spectrum  trauma  PTSD  psychopathology Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Despite the higher prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in autistic adults, research on trauma-related psychopathology and autistic traits in young people is lacking. This study examined if high autistic traits in childhood predispose individuals to traumatic experiences, the development of PTSD and general psychopathology, and greater functional impairment by age 18, in both the general population and a subsample of trauma-exposed young people. Methods Data were utilised from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative cohort of 2,232 same-sex twins born in 1994 1995 across England and Wales. Participants were a subset of children whose parents completed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), during assessments at ages 8, 9 and/or 12 years (N 1,504). We tested associations between autistic traits in childhood and age-18 reports of lifetime trauma exposure, lifetime PTSD diagnosis, general psychopathology (?p-factor?) and NEET status (?not in employment, education or training?). Analyses were conducted controlling for sex, family socioeconomic status (SES), intelligence quotient (IQ) and accounting for family clustering. Results Higher autistic traits in childhood were significantly associated with greater reports of lifetime trauma exposure (Odd Ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.03; 1.54), lifetime PTSD diagnosis (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29; 2.82), general psychopathology (beta 3.22, 95% CI 1.84; 4.60) and NEET status (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05; 2.09) at age 18. Only the associations of autistic traits with PTSD and general psychopathology were robust to adjustment for potential confounders. Among trauma-exposed children, autistic traits were also significantly associated with lifetime PTSD diagnosis (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15; 2.68) and psychopathology (beta 3.36, 95% CI 0.68; 6.04) at age 18, but only the association with PTSD held when adjusted for confounders. Conclusions Our findings suggest a need to develop targeted assessments and evidence-based treatments for PTSD to meet the needs of children with high autistic traits. However, whether our findings extend to diagnosed autistic children requires further investigation. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14163 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=568 [article] Autistic traits in childhood and post-traumatic stress disorder as young adults: a cohort study [texte imprimé] / Alice M.G. QUINTON, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Angelica RONALD, Auteur ; Helen L. FISHER, Auteur ; Louise ARSENEAULT, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Andrea DANESE, Auteur . - p.1514-1525. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry > 66-10 (October 2025) . - p.1514-1525 Mots-clés : Autism  autism spectrum  trauma  PTSD  psychopathology Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Despite the higher prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in autistic adults, research on trauma-related psychopathology and autistic traits in young people is lacking. This study examined if high autistic traits in childhood predispose individuals to traumatic experiences, the development of PTSD and general psychopathology, and greater functional impairment by age 18, in both the general population and a subsample of trauma-exposed young people. Methods Data were utilised from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative cohort of 2,232 same-sex twins born in 1994 1995 across England and Wales. Participants were a subset of children whose parents completed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), during assessments at ages 8, 9 and/or 12 years (N 1,504). We tested associations between autistic traits in childhood and age-18 reports of lifetime trauma exposure, lifetime PTSD diagnosis, general psychopathology (?p-factor?) and NEET status (?not in employment, education or training?). Analyses were conducted controlling for sex, family socioeconomic status (SES), intelligence quotient (IQ) and accounting for family clustering. Results Higher autistic traits in childhood were significantly associated with greater reports of lifetime trauma exposure (Odd Ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.03; 1.54), lifetime PTSD diagnosis (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29; 2.82), general psychopathology (beta 3.22, 95% CI 1.84; 4.60) and NEET status (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05; 2.09) at age 18. Only the associations of autistic traits with PTSD and general psychopathology were robust to adjustment for potential confounders. Among trauma-exposed children, autistic traits were also significantly associated with lifetime PTSD diagnosis (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15; 2.68) and psychopathology (beta 3.36, 95% CI 0.68; 6.04) at age 18, but only the association with PTSD held when adjusted for confounders. Conclusions Our findings suggest a need to develop targeted assessments and evidence-based treatments for PTSD to meet the needs of children with high autistic traits. However, whether our findings extend to diagnosed autistic children requires further investigation. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14163 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=568

Experience of Trauma and PTSD Symptoms in Autistic Adults: Risk of PTSD Development Following DSM-5 and Non-DSM-5 Traumatic Life Events / Freya RUMBALL in Autism Research, 13-12 (December 2020)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 13-12 (December 2020) . - p.2122-2132 Titre : Experience of Trauma and PTSD Symptoms in Autistic Adults: Risk of PTSD Development Following DSM-5 and Non-DSM-5 Traumatic Life Events Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2122-2132 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Asd  Ptsd  autism  post-traumatic stress disorder  prevalence  trauma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research to date suggests that individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) may be at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to traumatic life events. It has been posited that characteristics of ASD may affect perceptions of trauma, with a wider range of life events acting as possible catalysts for PTSD development. This study set out to explore the nature of "trauma" for adults with ASD and the rates of self-reported PTSD symptomatology following DSM-5 and non-DSM-5 traumas-the latter being defined as those that would not meet the standard DSM-5 PTSD trauma Criterion A. Fifty-nine adults with ASD who reported exposure to traumatic events took part in the study, which involved completing a series of online questionnaires. Thirty-three individuals reported experiencing a "DSM-5" traumatic event (i.e., an event meeting DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A) and 35 reported a "non-DSM-5" traumautic event. Trauma-exposed ASD adults were found to be at increased risk of PTSD development, compared to previous general population statistics, with PTSD symptom scores crossing thresholds suggestive of probable PTSD diagnosis for more than 40% of ASD individuals following DSM-5 or non-DSM-5 traumas. A broader range of life events appear to be experienced as traumatic and may act as a catalyst for PTSD development in adults with ASD. Assessment of trauma and PTSD symptomatology should consider possible non-DSM-5 traumas in this population, and PTSD diagnosis and treatment should not be withheld simply due to the atypicality of the experienced traumatic event. LAY SUMMARY: This study explored the experience of trauma and rates of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We asked 59 autistic adults to complete online questionnaires about their experiences of stressful or traumatic events and related mental health difficulties. Autistic adults experienced a wide range of life events as traumatic, with over 40% showing probable PTSD within the last month and over 60% reporting probable PTSD at some point in their lifetime. Many of the life events experienced as traumas would not be recognized in some current diagnostic systems, raising concerns that autistic people may not receive the help they need for likely PTSD. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2306 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=434 [article] Experience of Trauma and PTSD Symptoms in Autistic Adults: Risk of PTSD Development Following DSM-5 and Non-DSM-5 Traumatic Life Events [texte imprimé] / Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur . - p.2122-2132. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 13-12 (December 2020) . - p.2122-2132 Mots-clés : Asd  Ptsd  autism  post-traumatic stress disorder  prevalence  trauma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research to date suggests that individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) may be at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to traumatic life events. It has been posited that characteristics of ASD may affect perceptions of trauma, with a wider range of life events acting as possible catalysts for PTSD development. This study set out to explore the nature of "trauma" for adults with ASD and the rates of self-reported PTSD symptomatology following DSM-5 and non-DSM-5 traumas-the latter being defined as those that would not meet the standard DSM-5 PTSD trauma Criterion A. Fifty-nine adults with ASD who reported exposure to traumatic events took part in the study, which involved completing a series of online questionnaires. Thirty-three individuals reported experiencing a "DSM-5" traumatic event (i.e., an event meeting DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A) and 35 reported a "non-DSM-5" traumautic event. Trauma-exposed ASD adults were found to be at increased risk of PTSD development, compared to previous general population statistics, with PTSD symptom scores crossing thresholds suggestive of probable PTSD diagnosis for more than 40% of ASD individuals following DSM-5 or non-DSM-5 traumas. A broader range of life events appear to be experienced as traumatic and may act as a catalyst for PTSD development in adults with ASD. Assessment of trauma and PTSD symptomatology should consider possible non-DSM-5 traumas in this population, and PTSD diagnosis and treatment should not be withheld simply due to the atypicality of the experienced traumatic event. LAY SUMMARY: This study explored the experience of trauma and rates of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We asked 59 autistic adults to complete online questionnaires about their experiences of stressful or traumatic events and related mental health difficulties. Autistic adults experienced a wide range of life events as traumatic, with over 40% showing probable PTSD within the last month and over 60% reporting probable PTSD at some point in their lifetime. Many of the life events experienced as traumas would not be recognized in some current diagnostic systems, raising concerns that autistic people may not receive the help they need for likely PTSD. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2306 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=434

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life: Diverse Experiences for Autistic Adults / Jarymke MALJAARS in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53-1 (January 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-1 (January 2023) . - p.319-331 Titre : Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life: Diverse Experiences for Autistic Adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Jarymke MALJAARS, Auteur ; Eef GIJBELS, Auteur ; Kris EVERS, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Ilse NOENS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.319-331 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Using a mixed methods design, this study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic and non-autistic adults. We conducted an online survey with 196 autistic and 228 non-autistic adults from Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom focusing on their experiences during the first period of the pandemic. Our results indicate rather diverse experiences within the group of autistic participants across all domains of life. In comparison with non-autistic adults, autistic adults reported less negative impact on their social life and more negative impact on health and support services. In the autism group, stress was mainly related to changing and unclear measures. A wide range of coping strategies were described as helpful in reducing stress during the pandemic. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05437-x Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=493 [article] Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life: Diverse Experiences for Autistic Adults [texte imprimé] / Jarymke MALJAARS, Auteur ; Eef GIJBELS, Auteur ; Kris EVERS, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Ilse NOENS, Auteur . - p.319-331. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 53-1 (January 2023) . - p.319-331 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Using a mixed methods design, this study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic and non-autistic adults. We conducted an online survey with 196 autistic and 228 non-autistic adults from Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom focusing on their experiences during the first period of the pandemic. Our results indicate rather diverse experiences within the group of autistic participants across all domains of life. In comparison with non-autistic adults, autistic adults reported less negative impact on their social life and more negative impact on health and support services. In the autism group, stress was mainly related to changing and unclear measures. A wide range of coping strategies were described as helpful in reducing stress during the pandemic. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05437-x Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=493

Mental health of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping style / Kris EVERS in Autism, 27-3 (April 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 27-3 (April 2023) . - p.832-847 Titre : Mental health of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping style Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Kris EVERS, Auteur ; Eef GIJBELS, Auteur ; Jarymke MALJAARS, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Ilse NOENS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.832-847 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : adults,anxiety,autism,coping,depression,intolerance of uncertainty COVID-19 pandemic,perceived stress,questionnaire Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic individuals are at particular risk of experiencing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about personal characteristics that may underlie this vulnerability. This longitudinal questionnaire study with 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults investigated the association between perceived stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured 4 months later. In addition, the moderating impact of intolerance of uncertainty and coping styles on this association was examined. Confirming previous studies, autistic adults reported poorer mental health than non-autistic individuals. Results demonstrated similar moderation models across individuals with versus without autism. Perceived stress at timepoint 1 was associated with anxiety and depression at timepoint 2. Across both participant groups, individuals with maladaptive coping strategies and higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty at timepoint 1 showed more internalizing symptoms at timepoint 2. The findings demonstrate the burden of the pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults, especially on those with high levels of perceived stress, maladaptive coping strategies, or intolerance of uncertainty. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic might involve providing psychoeducation about the impact of stress, coping, and intolerance of uncertainty on internalizing symptoms, and teaching more adaptive ways to cope with difficult circumstances.Lay abstractMore and more research shows us that autistic individuals are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about why this is the case. At two timepoints during the pandemic, we asked 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults about feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and about characteristics that may explain why some (autistic) people have a larger chance of developing anxiety and depression during this pandemic. In our study, autistic adults experienced more anxiety and depression than non-autistic adults. Across autistic and non-autistic individuals, the people who experienced more stress at timepoint 1 experienced more anxiety and depression 4 months later. This was especially the case for those individuals who use maladaptive coping styles, such as denial or venting, and for those who have difficulties dealing with uncertain situations. Our findings show the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic are needed, and they may want to focus on the negative impact of stress and teach autistic (and non-autistic) adults more adaptive ways to cope with stressful circumstances. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221119749 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=499 [article] Mental health of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping style [texte imprimé] / Kris EVERS, Auteur ; Eef GIJBELS, Auteur ; Jarymke MALJAARS, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Ilse NOENS, Auteur . - p.832-847. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 27-3 (April 2023) . - p.832-847 Mots-clés : adults,anxiety,autism,coping,depression,intolerance of uncertainty COVID-19 pandemic,perceived stress,questionnaire Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic individuals are at particular risk of experiencing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about personal characteristics that may underlie this vulnerability. This longitudinal questionnaire study with 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults investigated the association between perceived stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured 4 months later. In addition, the moderating impact of intolerance of uncertainty and coping styles on this association was examined. Confirming previous studies, autistic adults reported poorer mental health than non-autistic individuals. Results demonstrated similar moderation models across individuals with versus without autism. Perceived stress at timepoint 1 was associated with anxiety and depression at timepoint 2. Across both participant groups, individuals with maladaptive coping strategies and higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty at timepoint 1 showed more internalizing symptoms at timepoint 2. The findings demonstrate the burden of the pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults, especially on those with high levels of perceived stress, maladaptive coping strategies, or intolerance of uncertainty. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic might involve providing psychoeducation about the impact of stress, coping, and intolerance of uncertainty on internalizing symptoms, and teaching more adaptive ways to cope with difficult circumstances.Lay abstractMore and more research shows us that autistic individuals are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about why this is the case. At two timepoints during the pandemic, we asked 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults about feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and about characteristics that may explain why some (autistic) people have a larger chance of developing anxiety and depression during this pandemic. In our study, autistic adults experienced more anxiety and depression than non-autistic adults. Across autistic and non-autistic individuals, the people who experienced more stress at timepoint 1 experienced more anxiety and depression 4 months later. This was especially the case for those individuals who use maladaptive coping styles, such as denial or venting, and for those who have difficulties dealing with uncertain situations. Our findings show the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic are needed, and they may want to focus on the negative impact of stress and teach autistic (and non-autistic) adults more adaptive ways to cope with stressful circumstances. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221119749 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=499

Post-traumatic stress disorder in autistic and non-autistic adults: The impact of appraisals on reactions to traumatic events / Rachel PROSSER in Autism, 30-3 (March 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.605-625 Titre : Post-traumatic stress disorder in autistic and non-autistic adults: The impact of appraisals on reactions to traumatic events Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Rachel PROSSER, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Dorothy KING, Auteur ; Craig STEEL, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.605-625 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : appraisals  ASD  autism  mental health  post-traumatic stress disorder Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research suggests autistic people experience greater post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity than non-autistic people following traumatic events. Post-trauma appraisals are fundamental in cognitive models of post-traumatic stress disorder, but have not been explored in autistic people. We aimed to explore whether we could replicate effects of heightened trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity in autistic adults, and examine how post-traumatic appraisals affect the association between autism and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Two hundred forty-two autistic (n = 148) and non-autistic adults (n = 94) completed a survey measuring trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and post-trauma appraisals. Exposure to types of traumatic events did not differ significantly between the groups, but the autistic group endorsed more events that ‘happened to me’ directly. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and endorsement of negative post-traumatic appraisals were significantly higher in the autistic group, specifically alienation, shame and fear appraisals. These appraisals mediated the association between autism and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Therefore, as in the general population, greater endorsement of negative post-traumatic appraisals may be a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder symptom development in autistic adults, particularly appraisals of shame, fear and alienation. Longitudinal designs are required to confirm the direction of these effects and to elucidate factors underlying these negative appraisals in autistic people.Lay Summary Many people experience intrusive memories and anxiety after a traumatic event. However, for some, these symptoms last longer and they might be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Research suggests that autistic people might be more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and experience more severe symptoms compared to non-autistic people after traumatic events. One factor that is important in post-traumatic stress disorder development is how people think about the trauma. These might be thoughts like ‘It was my fault’, ‘I’m not safe’, ‘I’m disconnected from other people’. There has not been research into how autistic people think about traumatic events compared to non-autistic people, and this could be important for making post-traumatic stress disorder treatments more effective for them, as many of these focus on thoughts. In this study, we asked 148 autistic people and 94 non-autistic people in the United Kingdom to complete an online survey about their trauma history, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and thoughts about a traumatic event. We found that autistic people experienced more types of traumatic events directly (it happened to them), but they did not experience more types of traumatic events overall. Interestingly, both groups reported events like bullying or the death of a loved one as traumatic, but these events would not meet the official diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. As expected, autistic people reported worse post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than non-autistic people and were more likely to meet the cut-off for post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis. Autistic people also reported more negative thoughts about the trauma, especially feeling unsafe, disconnected, ashamed or that the trauma was their fault. Having more thoughts like this was associated with being autistic and experiencing more severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Our findings suggest that therapies focusing on these negative thoughts could be helpful for autistic people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Future research should explore why autistic people have more of these thoughts after traumatic events and should use longitudinal or experimental designs to explore how these factors influence one another over time. Efforts to prevent negative experiences, challenge negative attitudes in society t wards autism and support positive autistic identity and well-being will be helpful for changing this in the future. It is also important that mental health services offer support for post-traumatic stress disorder even when events do not meet the current diagnostic criteria, as this might prevent autistic and non-autistic people who need support with post-traumatic stress disorder getting help. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251403405 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582 [article] Post-traumatic stress disorder in autistic and non-autistic adults: The impact of appraisals on reactions to traumatic events [texte imprimé] / Rachel PROSSER, Auteur ; Freya RUMBALL, Auteur ; Dorothy KING, Auteur ; Craig STEEL, Auteur . - p.605-625. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.605-625 Mots-clés : appraisals  ASD  autism  mental health  post-traumatic stress disorder Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research suggests autistic people experience greater post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity than non-autistic people following traumatic events. Post-trauma appraisals are fundamental in cognitive models of post-traumatic stress disorder, but have not been explored in autistic people. We aimed to explore whether we could replicate effects of heightened trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity in autistic adults, and examine how post-traumatic appraisals affect the association between autism and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Two hundred forty-two autistic (n = 148) and non-autistic adults (n = 94) completed a survey measuring trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and post-trauma appraisals. Exposure to types of traumatic events did not differ significantly between the groups, but the autistic group endorsed more events that ‘happened to me’ directly. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and endorsement of negative post-traumatic appraisals were significantly higher in the autistic group, specifically alienation, shame and fear appraisals. These appraisals mediated the association between autism and post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Therefore, as in the general population, greater endorsement of negative post-traumatic appraisals may be a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder symptom development in autistic adults, particularly appraisals of shame, fear and alienation. Longitudinal designs are required to confirm the direction of these effects and to elucidate factors underlying these negative appraisals in autistic people.Lay Summary Many people experience intrusive memories and anxiety after a traumatic event. However, for some, these symptoms last longer and they might be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Research suggests that autistic people might be more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and experience more severe symptoms compared to non-autistic people after traumatic events. One factor that is important in post-traumatic stress disorder development is how people think about the trauma. These might be thoughts like ‘It was my fault’, ‘I’m not safe’, ‘I’m disconnected from other people’. There has not been research into how autistic people think about traumatic events compared to non-autistic people, and this could be important for making post-traumatic stress disorder treatments more effective for them, as many of these focus on thoughts. In this study, we asked 148 autistic people and 94 non-autistic people in the United Kingdom to complete an online survey about their trauma history, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and thoughts about a traumatic event. We found that autistic people experienced more types of traumatic events directly (it happened to them), but they did not experience more types of traumatic events overall. Interestingly, both groups reported events like bullying or the death of a loved one as traumatic, but these events would not meet the official diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. As expected, autistic people reported worse post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than non-autistic people and were more likely to meet the cut-off for post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis. Autistic people also reported more negative thoughts about the trauma, especially feeling unsafe, disconnected, ashamed or that the trauma was their fault. Having more thoughts like this was associated with being autistic and experiencing more severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Our findings suggest that therapies focusing on these negative thoughts could be helpful for autistic people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Future research should explore why autistic people have more of these thoughts after traumatic events and should use longitudinal or experimental designs to explore how these factors influence one another over time. Efforts to prevent negative experiences, challenge negative attitudes in society t wards autism and support positive autistic identity and well-being will be helpful for changing this in the future. It is also important that mental health services offer support for post-traumatic stress disorder even when events do not meet the current diagnostic criteria, as this might prevent autistic and non-autistic people who need support with post-traumatic stress disorder getting help. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251403405 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582

"Why does someone need to have a crisis before anyone will do anything?": Perspectives of Autism Intensive Support Team staff / Freya RUMBALL ; Francesca HAPPE ; Alice M.G. QUINTON ; Debbie SPAIN in Research in Autism, 123 (May 2025)  

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