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Research Impacting and Involving Autistic Adults Should Be Trauma Informed
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Research Impacting and Involving Autistic Adults Should Be Trauma Informed

Samantha L. Steeman, Lauren Ancona, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Kyle Brophy, Lydia X.Z. Brown and Sara C. Taylor
Autism in adulthood, Forthcoming
31 Mar 2025

Abstract

The autism research field to date has yet to widely adopt trauma-informed thinking and practices. Since most autistic adults have a history of experiencing trauma, the field must shift to center trauma in the design of research for this population. This article calls for widespread integration of trauma-informed strategies into existing research practices focused on autistic adults. We present a summary of trauma sources across research domains and make recommendations for how to integrate existing research related to trauma experienced by autistic adults and trauma-informed practices in the current research landscape. With trauma-informed modifications to research practices, we suggest that accessibility of participation in research for autistic adults with a history of trauma will be improved and that potential trauma-related harms of research will be reduced. Additionally, considering trauma more widely as a potential modifier of autism domains including social functioning, sensory sensitivity, self-soothing behaviors, cognitive functioning, and autonomic arousal may lead to a more comprehensive understanding of these areas. Taken together, we believe that adopting trauma-informed research approaches will lead to more meaningful, impactful research.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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InCites Highlights

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychology, Developmental
Rehabilitation
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