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Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Experience of Traumatic Events: Review of the Current Literature to Inform Modifications to a Treatment Model for Children with Autism

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Abstract

Children with autism incur trauma and have increased vulnerabilities for experiencing trauma. This paper summarizes the current literature in the study of trauma in typically developing children and those with autism. A treatment model for children with autism, drawing on components from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and CBT to teach emotion regulation and treat anxiety in children with autism is suggested. Components include: (a) Functional Behavior Assessment; (b) behavior plans and behavioral skills training; (c) teaching emotion regulation; (d) exposure therapy; (e) cognitive restructuring; (f) parent and child support between sessions; (g) safety plan; and (h) programming for generalization and maintenance. Future research should establish evidence-based treatment of trauma in this population by evaluating the modified treatment package.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A Block Above Behavioral Consulting, 3185 Sunnyhurst Rd., North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G4, Canada

    Alexia Stack

  2. Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Joseph Lucyshyn

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  1. Alexia Stack
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  2. Joseph Lucyshyn
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AS conceived of this manuscript, completed a literature review, developed the modified treatment design for a trauma intervention for children with ASD, created the figures, and drafted the manuscript. JL helped draft the manuscript, helped guide the literature review, helped with the design of a treatment model for trauma in children with ASD, and revised figures. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Alexia Stack.

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Stack, A., Lucyshyn, J. Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Experience of Traumatic Events: Review of the Current Literature to Inform Modifications to a Treatment Model for Children with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 1613–1625 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3854-9

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