Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine
how behavioral manifestations of trauma due to abuse are
expressed in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) compared outcomes
between patients with a caregiver reported history of abuse
and those without. Findings indicate that patients with
ASD and reported abuse (i.e. physical, sexual, and/or emotional) have more intrusive thoughts, distressing memories,
loss of interest, irritability, and lethargy than those without reported maltreatment. Those with clinical diagnoses
of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had more severe
and externalized symptoms than those with reported abuse
not diagnosed with PTSD. Results emphasize the need for
trauma screening measures to guide evidence-based treatments for children with ASD.