Interpersonal Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress in Autistic Adults

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Trauma and Mental Health
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Background:

• Autistic adults report high rates of interpersonal traumas (IPTs), including physical and sexual assault.
• IPTs are linked to increased risk of posttraumatic stress and dissociation in autistic individuals.
• Gender may influence vulnerability to IPT and subsequent mental health outcomes among autistic people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of IPTs in autistic adults.
• To examine the association between IPT and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation.
• To explore gender-based differences in trauma experiences and mental health outcomes within the autistic population.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 687 self-identified autistic adults.
• Data collected included experiences of interpersonal trauma, PTSD symptoms, and psychoform/somatoform dissociation.
• Statistical analyses compared outcomes based on trauma history, gender identity, and ASD diagnosis status.

Main Results:

• 72% of participants reported experiencing physical or sexual assault/unwanted sexual experiences.
• 44% met PTSD criteria; IPT significantly increased PTSD risk (OR=2.50).
• IPT was associated with higher levels of psychoform and somatoform dissociation.
• Autistic cisgender women and gender minorities reported more traumas and higher rates of sexual IPT and PTSD compared to cisgender men.
• No significant differences in outcomes were found between autistic individuals with and without a formal ASD diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal trauma is significantly associated with severe mental health outcomes in autistic adults.
• Autistic women and gender minorities face heightened risks for sexual IPT and adverse psychological consequences.
• Universal screening for IPT and posttraumatic symptoms is recommended for all autistic adults, irrespective of formal ASD diagnosis.