Trauma and PTSD Symptoms: Exploring the Experiences of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults in Midlife and Old Age

Autistic children and young adults have been found to experience high rates of traumatic life experiences and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when compared to non-autistic peers. Despite the lifelong nature of autism, these issues have yet to be studied in middle-aged and older autistic adults. This study used data from the AgeWellAutism study (autistic n = 446, non-autistic n = 183; aged 40%–90, ~55% female). Participants completed standardised measures of childhood and adulthood trauma, and symptoms of PTSD. The autistic group, particularly autistic women and people in midlife, reported significantly higher rates of childhood and adulthood trauma, including emotional and physical abuse/neglect and sexual abuse. The autistic group reported more PTSD symptoms than the non-autistic group. PTSD symptoms showed stronger associations with childhood and adulthood trauma in the autistic versus non-autistic group. Autism group membership remained a significant predictor of PTSD symptom scores when controlling for differences in reported trauma. These findings provide further evidence to suggest that autistic adults are at higher risk for trauma and developing symptoms of PTSD. Longitudinal studies are required to examine changes in trauma risk, impact and subsequent PTSD symptoms. This study underscores the need to develop evidence-based interventions to prevent trauma and address PTSD symptoms in autistic populations as they age. Lay Abstract Autistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to experience difficult and distressing life events, such as abuse, neglect or bullying. These experiences can lead to long-term emotional difficulties, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, most previous research has focused on autistic children and young adults, and little is known about trauma and PTSD in middle-aged and older autistic adults. This study used information from over 650 adults aged 40 to 90 who took part in an online survey, called the ‘AgeWellAutism study’. Everyone completed questionnaires about traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood and about current PTSD symptoms. The results showed that autistic adults reported more traumatic experiences than non-autistic adults, especially autistic women and people in midlife (adults aged 40–64 years old). They also reported more symptoms linked to PTSD, and the impact of trauma on PTSD symptoms was stronger in autistic adults than in non-autistic adults. Even when differences in reported trauma were taken into account, autistic adults still reported higher levels of PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that autistic adults may be at greater risk of experiencing trauma across the lifespan and developing symptoms of PTSD than non-autistic adults. The study highlights the need for better prevention efforts and improved mental health support for autistic people across the lifespan.