“If we do not look for it, we do not see it”: Clinicians' experiences and understanding of identifying post‐traumatic stress disorder in adults with autism and intellectual disability

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 1119 - 1132
• Main Authors: Kildahl, Arvid Nikolai, Helverschou, Sissel Berge, Bakken, Trine Lise, Oddli, Hanne Weie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley 01.09.2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adults; assessment; Autism; autism spectrum disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Clinical Diagnosis; Disability Identification; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Medical diagnosis; Mental Health Workers; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Post traumatic stress disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Psychiatric-mental health nursing; Psychiatrists; Trauma; assessment; post-traumatic stress disorder; autism spectrum disorder; intellectual disability
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12734

Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are at increased risk of potentially traumatic events and may be at increased risk of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, knowledge regarding identification of PTSD in this population is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical experience regarding PTSD and trauma assessment in individuals with co‐occurring ASD and ID. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore experiences of identifying PTSD in this population among 18 mental health clinicians working with ASD and ID. Results Informants viewed PTSD in individuals with ASD and ID as equivalent to PTSD in the general population, but with causes and expressions potentially differing. Several factors were described to contribute to challenges in identification. Conclusions Trauma may have severe impact in individuals with ASD and ID. Multidimensional, individualized assessment strategies seem necessary to recognize PTSD or trauma‐related symptoms in this population.