The relationship between autism and PTSD has historically been neglected in research and understanding but impacts the lives of many. Autistic people are intrinsically vulnerable to traumatic social situations and relationships, which can later manifest as PTSD. Navigating situations where one feels entirely at odds can lead seemingly commonplace events to be processed as traumatic experiences. In this unique collaboration, Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue explore PTSD in autistic adults as patient and practitioner. Lisa shares her personal experiences as an autistic adult, reflecting on emotionally traumatic events and their effect on her daily life. Mary examines the challenges surrounding diagnosis, reworking and developing communication and clarifying the symptoms of PTSD within the autistic population. Combining lived experience with professional expertise, this clear and accessible guide will provide a better understanding of autism and PTSD, providing support and direction to autistic adults processing trauma and those involved in their care.

The latest research on autism and the brain is indicating that it affects the brain in much the same way as complex trauma. What does this mean for the delivery of behavioral and social services? If the brain is affected in the same ways as trauma what does this mean for educational, vocational, and developmental goals in the individual's life? How do we progress with treatment based on the research of the last six years? In this ground-breaking book, Robert looks at the research, how the brain reacts to both trauma and autism and what this means in the real world for treatment. Using case examples and his own observation Robert has laid out a method and direction for treatment that is making a profound difference in the lives of the individuals he supports every day. From families to schools to employment and individual struggles, Robert shares the methods that can bring lasting change to lives and often reduce or remove the necessity for expensive behavioral services. Learn why children are going into meltdown mode for seemingly no reason in seconds and how to slow that reactive process. Helping the individual to feel safe in a constantly assaultive and traumatic world can, and does, make all the difference. Parents, caregivers, educators, and individuals will find strength and hope in this book. Finally, a clear direction for the implementation of services that will make all the difference in the lives of those struggling with life on the autism spectrum. "The first time I sat down next to Robert during a clinical staffing meeting I thought who in the world is this man? He didn't look up, just kept working on his iPad. About 10 minutes in he looked up, took advantage of a lull in the conversation and proceeded to educate all of us on this child that he had only met once. Robert has a unique ability to assess behavior and environments in a matter of seconds or minutes. And to then provide a list of real treatment ideas that are simple and highly effective. I have worked with Robert on my most difficult cases and been consistently impressed by the simplicity of his ideas and amazed by his incredible knowledge. Robert is a fierce advocate and has walked alongside many families to help them find hope and progress in very challenging situations. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from and work with such a gifted clinician and scholar. I look forward to the inspiration he will share throughout this book. Parents and professionals alike will leave this book with hope, purpose and confidence." -- Lori Wheelhouse, MA, LCPC, Clinical Director, KVC Prairie Ridge Children's Hospital "One-third of the individuals served by Special Needs Services of Ray County have a diagnosis of autism. Many of those individuals have experienced a trauma that reemerges in episodes of self-harm, depression, harm to others, and isolation. Mr. Cox has taught Mindfulness Training to individuals with autism that has allowed these individuals to move their thoughts past the trauma. I credit Mr. Cox with encouraging individuals to focus on what their life can become. Individuals are now making eye contact with others and speaking for themselves. They are working alongside their neighbors in competitive jobs. Many have left their natural homes and are learning how to live with supports in their community. Without the assessment and on-going therapy provided by Mr. Cox, our agency would still be responding to 911 calls and attempting to console desperate caregivers." - Suzan Breen, Executive Director, Special Needs Services of Ray County

This comprehensive and much-needed guide addresses the issues faced by clinicians in assessing and treating the range of mental health conditions, which can affect adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Its particular focus on adults fills a notable gap in the ASD professional literature, with an extensive array of contributors from across the psychology and healthcare professions. Covering a wide variety of common co-occurring mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, personality disorders, and eating disorders, this guide also explores broader issues to do with promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Authoritative and detailed, this is an essential resource for all clinicians and professionals looking to understand and tailor their approach to mental health in autistic adults, and the need for specific methods and strategies to enhance assessment and treatment.

This book examines the diagnostic overlap and frequent confusion between the newly named DSM-5 diagnostic categories of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), which include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trauma and stressor related disorders (TSRDs). These conditions are similar in that a) children with developmental disorders are particularly vulnerable to traumatic events and b) all have pervasive effects on the brain and development. Chapters provide a wealth of effective clinical, family, and school-based interventions, developed from established studies and important new findings. In addition, chapters use illustrative case studies to survey assessment challenges in today’s healthcare climate and consider alternative routes for improving correct diagnoses, identifying appropriate interventions, and referring proper targeted, evidence-based treatment and services. The book concludes with the editors’ recommendations for needs-based service access, including a more widespread use and acceptance of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. Topics featured in this book include: The neurobiological contributors to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and its diagnosis in children with a history of trauma. Interventions for trauma and stressor-related disorders in preschool-aged children. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and care in a cultural context. Special population consideration in ASD identification and treatment. Challenges associated with the transition to adulthood. Trauma and neurodevelopmental disorders from a public health perspective. Trauma, Autism, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders is a must-have resource for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, public health, social work, pediatrics, and special education.

Discovering that your child has a permanent pervasive developmental disorder is a shock to any parent. At first, it is hard to believe that the diagnosis is true. But quickly, you begin to immerse yourself in information to learn as much as you can, as quickly as you can. When the author's son was diagnosed with ASD at the age of four, she began collecting files of paperwork from doctors and therapists, test results, IEPs, and her own journal writings. She later combined it in chronological order and used it as a resource to explain her son to teachers, grandparents, caregivers, therapists, and other parents. The result is My Andrew, a heartfelt look into the first eight years of a family's journey to raise their son with autism. Presented in a journal format, this book presents what ASD means to a family's everyday life ? it highlights the ups and downs, the victories and the setbacks.

Losing someone to suicide can open up a world of pain, confusion and grief, and for people with ASDs, the effect can be acute and extremely challenging. Reaching out to fellow Aspies, Lisa Morgan proffers her insight and advice to ensure that others on the autism spectrum don't have to face suicide loss alone. Written from a first-hand account, this astonishingly honest book looks at the immediate aftermath, and how emergency responders can help, as well as the long-term implications of living with suicide loss for individuals on the autism spectrum. The book describes common difficulties after experiencing suicide loss, such as beginning to comprehend the death of a loved one and managing their estate, as well as matters more specific to people on the autism spectrum, such as overstimulated sensory issues and difficulties with misunderstandings and miscommunication at an already chaotic time. The book will also help those who aren't on the autism spectrum to understand how best to help someone with autism who is coping with suicide loss, as well as what not to do.

This book presents ground-breaking ideas based on current research on how stigma can cause bodily felt trauma in stigmatised or marginalised people, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Gordon Gates draws on his academic research, professional knowledge as a counsellor, and lived experience with Asperger's syndrome to provide a unique framework for combating the psychological and emotional impact of stigma. Explaining how to develop resilience and essential coping mechanisms to manage distress and improve mental health, this book casts new light on the significance of stigma in mental health, and marks a new way forward for anyone who has been made to feel like an "outsider".