Examining Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences and Associated Psychosocial Outcomes Among Autistic Adults

Background: Autistic youth experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), although it is critical to extend this work by further identifying the ACEs most commonly reported by Autistic adults. We know less about rates of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) among Autistic adults and how they are associated with ACEs and psychosocial outcomes. The current study aimed to (1) identify rates of ACEs and BCEs, (2) evaluate how they are related for Autistic and non-autistic adults, and (3) evaluate how ACEs and BCEs are associated with psychosocial outcomes (i.e., trauma symptoms, resilience, treatment utilization, vulnerable life experiences [VLE]) across Autistic and non-autistic adults. Methods: A total of 276 Autistic adults ( M age = 29 years, M income = 34,935 U.S. dollars, 46.4% cisgender men, 74.3% White) and 361 non-autistic adults ( M age = 45.69 years, M income = 56,753 U.S. dollars, 49.9% cisgender women, 66.2% White) completed an online survey. Participants provided information about demographic and treatment history characteristics (age, income, gender, race/ethnicity, treatment use), and completed checklist measures of ACEs and BCEs and self-report scales assessing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Posttraumatic Symptom Checklist for DSM-5, PCL-5), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), and broader trauma-related and service experiences (VLE scale). Results: Autistic adults reported more ACEs and fewer BCEs than non-autistic adults, even when accounting for demographic differences. ACEs and BCEs were weakly to moderately associated to a similar degree across groups. ACEs and BCEs differentially associated with psychosocial outcomes among Autistic and non-autistic adults. Child maltreatment ACEs related to higher PTSD symptoms, VLEs, and use of services. BCEs related to lower VLEs and use of services. Conclusion: Autistic adults differentially experience ACEs and BCEs, and trauma-focused supports should seek to facilitate and improve positive experiences among Autistic youth. Future research should identify potential protective factors for Autistic individuals.