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Does late diagnosis lead to trauma?

tintal
over 5 years ago

I think it can, and there are a few articles online that explore how autism relates to trauma and PTSD. Compared to neurotypical people, trauma in autistic people has different causes and plays out in different ways.

Some examples: 

  • Exclusion, exploitation or mistreatment by peers, leading to social phobia and mistrust of others
  • Isolation
  • Forcing oneself to put up with loud noises and bright light
  • Pressure and criticism from parents unaware of child's underlying limitations
  • Not knowing how to manage one's stress
  • Forcefully masking stress-relieving behaviours like stimming 
  • Suicidal thoughts in children, with no ability to rationalise or identify the root of these thoughts

Although there is a little research on the topic, I think it deserves more. I would guess that the above examples are all risk factors for depression, stress, alcoholism, heart disease, and a whole host of other health problems.

Parents
  • over 5 years ago

    I'm not sure I'd say trauma but I certainly think it has had an effect. I can identify with most of the bullet points in your post. School was a massive struggle and I strongly believe had I and the school known then my school life could have been made much easier. I think years of being unsuccessful with social situations and relationships and comments from others about my behaviour and what they don't like about have had a huge impact on me, my self esteem and mental health. Had I known earlier than I did then perhaps these things wouldn't have had such a big impact.

Reply
  • over 5 years ago

    I'm not sure I'd say trauma but I certainly think it has had an effect. I can identify with most of the bullet points in your post. School was a massive struggle and I strongly believe had I and the school known then my school life could have been made much easier. I think years of being unsuccessful with social situations and relationships and comments from others about my behaviour and what they don't like about have had a huge impact on me, my self esteem and mental health. Had I known earlier than I did then perhaps these things wouldn't have had such a big impact.

Children
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