Can Trauma Cause Autism? What Research Tells Us About the Connection

Many people ask about the link between traumatic experiences and autism spectrum disorder. One of the most common questions is whether trauma can actually cause autism.

This guide will look at what the latest research tells us about this topic, helping to clear up myths while giving solid information about both conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Autism and Trauma Basics: Get to know the main differences between autism spectrum disorder and trauma-related conditions like post traumatic stress disorder.
• Similar Signs: Learn why trauma can cause autism-like symptoms that might be confused with autism, and how doctors tell them apart.
• Getting Help: Read about helpful therapies that work for people with either or both conditions.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually shows up early in life. Children with autism have differences in how they communicate socially, often have focused interests, repeat certain behaviours, and can be sensitive to sensory input.

According to the National Autistic Society, autism is mainly genetic, though environmental factors may affect how it appears in each person. The NHS explains that autism begins during pregnancy, long before a child is born (NHS, 2023).

Some common signs of autism are:

Struggling with social situations and not picking up on body language
Having communication challenges that can be mild or more serious
Doing the same movements or actions repeatedly
Having very strong interests in specific topics
Being extra sensitive to lights, sounds or textures
Needing daily routines and finding change difficult

Each person with autism is different. As the Autism Society points out, individuals with autism have their own unique mix of traits. Some might need lots of support their whole lives, while others might need very little help or find their own ways to manage autism symptoms.

What Trauma Does to People

Trauma happens when someone goes through very upsetting events that are too much for them to handle emotionally. These traumatic events might be things like sexual abuse, serious accidents, seeing violence, or living through disasters.

When someone faces trauma, especially during early childhood, it can change how their brain grows and works. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma can lead to several conditions:

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Acute stress disorder
Complex trauma
Developmental trauma disorder

The Child Mind Institute explains that children who have experienced trauma often show changes in how they act, control their feelings, and get along with others. They might be always on high alert, have trouble managing big emotions, find it hard to trust people, be extra sensitive to their surroundings, struggle to pay attention, or feel very worried much of the time.

Can Trauma Cause Autism? What the Science Says

The short answer to “can trauma cause autism” is no—trauma doesn’t cause autism. Autism spectrum disorder is mainly a genetic and brain-based condition that starts before birth.

But there’s more to it than just saying no. Here’s what scientists at places like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found about trauma and autism:

Autism starts before birth: The brain differences in autism are there from birth or very early babyhood, before trauma would usually happen.

Trauma doesn’t create autism: Studies in autism research and child psychology haven’t found any proof that traumatic experiences can change a typical brain into an autistic one.

They can look similar: Trauma, especially early childhood trauma, can cause behaviours that might look like autism. This is why people sometimes get confused.

Both can happen together: A person can be autistic AND have gone through trauma. According to research from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, children with autism might actually face a higher chance of experiencing trauma because of communication problems and other challenges.

Let’s look at why these two conditions sometimes get mixed up.

Can Trauma Cause Autism-Like Symptoms?

Yes, can trauma cause autism-like symptoms is a legitimate question with a scientific basis. Many survivors of trauma, particularly childhood trauma, display behaviours that can resemble aspects of autism:

Trauma Symptoms	Autism Symptoms	How They Differ
Social withdrawal	Social communication difficulties	Trauma-based withdrawal often stems from fear and mistrust; autism-related social differences stem from neurological processing
Repetitive movements (self-soothing)	Repetitive behaviours	Trauma-based repetitive behaviours typically emerge as coping mechanisms; autism-related repetitive behaviours are often tied to neurological differences
Sensory sensitivities due to hypervigilance	Sensory processing difficulties	Trauma-based sensory issues often relate to threat detection; autism-related sensory issues stem from neurological differences in processing
Difficulty forming attachments	Differences in attachment style	Trauma-based attachment issues typically develop after adverse experiences; autism-related attachment differences are present from early development

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This overlap in presentation can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses, especially in cases where both autism and trauma are present. This is why accurate diagnosis by trained mental health professionals is crucial.

Can Trauma Cause Autism in Adults?

Another common question is “can trauma cause autism in adults.” Again, trauma does not cause autism in adults, but it can create symptoms that might be confused with autism.

Adults who experience severe trauma may develop:

• PTSD
• Dissociative disorders
• Social withdrawal
• Communication difficulties under stress
• Sensory sensitivities

These symptoms might lead someone to wonder if they have developed autism later in life. However, true autism is present from early childhood, not something that suddenly appears in adulthood. What might be occurring is:

1. The recognition of pre-existing autistic traits that were previously masked or unrecognized
2. The emergence of trauma-related symptoms that resemble autism
3. The unmasking of autism due to increased stress from trauma

If an adult is displaying new autism-like symptoms following trauma, it’s more likely they are experiencing trauma-related conditions that require their own specific treatments.

Can Head Trauma Cause Autism?

Physical brain injuries, including head trauma or brain trauma, cannot cause autism in the traditional understanding of the condition. However, brain injuries can cause symptoms that might appear similar to autism:

• Changes in social behaviour
• Communication difficulties
• Sensory sensitivities
• Emotional regulation challenges

Unlike autism, which is a neurodevelopmental condition present from birth, symptoms from brain injuries appear after the traumatic event and may improve with time and rehabilitation. However, some research suggests that early brain injuries might affect developmental trajectories in ways that could produce autism-like presentations.

Can Birth Trauma Cause Autism?

The question of whether birth trauma might contribute to autism has been studied, but the evidence does not suggest a direct causal relationship. Birth complications may be associated with slightly higher rates of autism diagnosis, but researchers believe this is more likely because:

1. The same genetic or environmental factors that increase autism risk might also increase the risk of birth complications
2. Certain types of brain injuries during birth might affect development in ways that produce symptoms that overlap with autism

Current understanding suggests that while birth trauma itself doesn’t cause autism, it might be one of many factors that influence how autism manifests in some individuals.

Can Early Childhood Trauma Cause Autism?

Early childhood trauma cannot transform a non-autistic brain into an autistic one. However, severe early trauma can profoundly affect brain development in ways that might create symptoms resembling autism:

• Social withdrawal and trust issues
• Communication challenges
• Sensory sensitivities
• Repetitive self-soothing behaviours

These overlapping presentations can sometimes make it difficult to determine whether a child is displaying symptoms of autism, trauma, or both. This is why comprehensive assessment by professionals familiar with both conditions is essential.

Trauma and Autism: The Connection Explained

While trauma doesn’t cause autism, there are important connections between the two conditions that are worth understanding:

Higher Rates of Trauma in Autistic People

Research suggests that individuals with autism experience higher rates of trauma than the general population. This may be due to several factors:

• Communication differences that make it harder to report or process traumatic experiences
• Increased vulnerability to bullying and social exclusion
• Heightened sensory sensitivities that can make everyday experiences more overwhelming
• Greater challenges in navigating social situations safely

Trauma Can Worsen Autism Symptoms

For autistic individuals who experience trauma, the traumatic experience can exacerbate existing symptoms of autism:

• Social withdrawal might increase
• Repetitive behaviours might intensify
• Communication challenges might become more pronounced
• Sensory processing difficulties might worsen

This doesn’t mean the trauma caused the autism, but rather that the trauma has made the autism symptoms more challenging to manage.

Diagnosis Can Be Complicated

When both conditions are present, getting an accurate diagnosis can be complicated:

• Trauma responses might mask or mimic autistic traits
• Autism might affect how trauma is expressed or reported
• Standard assessment tools might not adequately capture the complexity of both conditions together

This is why assessment by professionals with experience in both autism spectrum conditions and trauma is crucial.

Helping People with Both Autism and Trauma

For people with trauma histories who are also autistic, experts at the Autism Research Institute suggest special approaches that deal with both conditions:

Helpful Therapies

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network mentions several therapies that can be adjusted to help people with both autism and trauma:

Cognitive behavioural therapy changed to work better for autism
Sensory integration therapy that’s careful about trauma triggers
Applied behaviour analysis that takes trauma into account
Play therapy for younger kids
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) adapted for autism

Teaching Helpful Skills

According to Autism Speaks, helping people learn to handle both conditions often means:

Working on social skills while being aware of trauma reactions
Teaching ways to cope when things get too much
Improving communication abilities with methods that don’t trigger trauma memories
Learning to manage emotions in ways that make sense for how autistic people process information
Simple deep breathing exercises and other calming techniques

Making Safe Spaces

The environment around a person can make a big difference:

Regular routines that help people feel secure
Spaces that don’t overload the senses
Speaking clearly to build trust
Giving people choices and control when possible

When to Seek Professional Help

If you or a loved one are showing signs that might be related to autism, trauma, or both, it’s important to seek assessment from qualified mental health professionals or healthcare professionals who understand both conditions.

Signs that professional support might be needed include:

• Persistent difficulties with social interaction and communication
• Sensory sensitivities that interfere with daily life
• Emotional or behavioural responses that seem out of proportion
• Signs of distress related to past experiences
• Development that seems atypical or delayed

Early intervention is key for both autism and trauma, as targeted interventions in the early years can significantly improve outcomes.

Overall

While trauma cannot cause autism, the two conditions can affect each other in important ways. Trauma can lead to behaviours that look like autism, and autistic people might face more trauma than others. Knowing about these connections helps make sure people get the right appropriate support for their actual needs.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists points out that when helping someone with either or both conditions, taking trauma into account when supporting autism and taking autism into account when helping with trauma can make life much better for that person.

According to NICE Guidelines, the most important thing is getting an accurate diagnosis and the right kind of individual help, whether someone has autism, trauma, or both. With good support and the right kind of help, people dealing with these challenges can become stronger, use their natural strengths, and live happy, healthy lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can emotional abuse cause autism?

No, emotional abuse cannot cause autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins during prenatal development. However, children who have experienced emotional abuse may develop symptoms that can resemble autism, such as social withdrawal and communication difficulties.

How can I tell if my child has autism or trauma symptoms?

This requires professional assessment. Generally, autism symptoms are present from early development and remain relatively consistent, while trauma symptoms typically emerge after traumatic events. A qualified professional can help determine whether symptoms are related to autism, trauma, or both.

Are children with autism more likely to experience trauma?

Yes, research suggests that children with autism may be at increased risk for experiencing trauma due to communication differences, social vulnerabilities, and sometimes higher rates of bullying or misunderstanding from others.

What therapies work for both autism and trauma?

Several approaches can be adapted for both conditions, including modified cognitive behavioural therapy, sensory integration therapy, and trauma-informed applied behaviour analysis. Speech therapy and occupational therapy can also address challenges related to both conditions.

Can autism be mistaken for trauma or vice versa?

Yes, the overlapping symptoms between these conditions can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis. This is why comprehensive assessment by professionals familiar with both autism and trauma is important for accurate diagnosis.

Does having trauma make autism worse?

Trauma doesn’t make autism itself worse, but it can exacerbate existing symptoms and create additional challenges that complicate support and intervention. Addressing both autism needs and trauma effects is important for mental health and development.

Is there a genetic link between trauma responses and autism?

Research in this area is ongoing. Some studies suggest that certain genetic factors might influence vulnerability to both conditions, but there isn’t evidence that trauma response genes directly cause autism or vice versa.

Can siblings of autistic children develop trauma from family stress?

While having an autistic sibling doesn’t automatically lead to trauma, some siblings might experience stress or receive less attention that affects their emotional development. Family support is important to ensure all children’s needs are met.

Do adverse childhood experiences affect autistic and non-autistic children differently?

Research suggests there may be differences in how autistic children process and respond to adverse experiences compared to neurotypical children. Autistic children might have different coping mechanisms and may need specialized approaches to trauma processing.

How can schools support children with both autism and trauma?

Schools can implement trauma-informed practices while also providing autism-specific supports. This might include predictable environments, clear communication, sensory accommodations, social supports, and staff training on both conditions.