This time, the regular monthly evening event covered autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), presented by Alice Quinton, from King’s College London. Alice’s informative and detailed presentation explored possible differences of PTSD in autistic people compared with neurotypicals and how this knowledge can be used with autistic people in treatment and support.
Of significance is that PTSD in autistic people is often overlooked and underexplored. But, recently there has been renewed interest. New studies suggest that traditional sources of trauma include threats, abuse and injury but for autistic people non-traditional trauma can also include bullying, social difficulties and the autism diagnostic process itself.
Treatments for PTSD include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Concrete advice and structure tailored for autistic people’s individual needs were among the suggestions of what was needed.
The presentation was interactive and punctuated with comments from an engaged audience with contributions from the audience being illustrative of todays challenges. Based on audience comments, autistic individuals often experience trauma intensely, with vivid visual recollections and delayed emotional responses. Others also suggested that mental trauma can linger longer than physical trauma, making tailored therapeutic approaches essential. Many find structured therapies like CBT unhelpful, favouring acceptance and commitment therapy or body-based approaches. Some question whether the autism diagnosis process itself is traumatic with experiences differing from one another depending on the circumstance with some more positive and others more negative.
Solutions raised were both helpful and creative. Techniques like connecting bodily sensations to emotions or using creative outlets similar to EMDR resonated with the audience in processing trauma effectively. This included writing, poetry, animal therapy, enjoying nature and exercise. Many were also interested in getting involved in future research.
Overall, this was an interactive, well attended and engaging session – which I personally found particularly useful.
Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 5 February 2025
