Protective factors, trauma, and quality of life in a sample of autistic adults

Despite high prevalence rates of both autism and trauma exposure, relatively little is known about how trauma impacts autistic individuals. Prior evidence suggests that while autistic adults face elevated rates of trauma exposure, rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the population are comparatively low, and it is unclear whether post-traumatic stress symptoms are connected to trauma exposure for autistic adults. Additionally, little is known about how autistic adults recover from trauma or what factors support healing. The current study examined the relationships between trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress symptoms, protective factors (social support, positive childhood experiences, and autistic identity) and quality of life in a sample of autistic adults (N = 55). Results indicated that trauma exposure was positively related to post-traumatic stress symptoms, with approximately 25% of participants meeting the clinical threshold for a PTSD diagnosis despite low rates of formal PTSD diagnosis from a health care provider. Yet, participants who reported higher protective factors – including some specific to autistic adults – not only reported generally higher quality of life but also demonstrated a buffering effect against the impact of trauma exposure on quality of life. Findings suggest that post-traumatic stress symptoms and PTSD may be more impactful for autistic adults than previously realized and call for increased screening to catch and address symptoms of trauma in this population. Findings also underscore the importance of trauma-informed care and the value of bolstering protective factors when working with autistic adults in clinical and research settings.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Mader, Luisa E. Lopez

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Youngren, Westley
• Hambrick, Erin

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/110223

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/110223