Predictors of Trauma Exposure and Trauma Diagnoses for Children with Autism and Developmental Disorders Served in a Community Mental Health Clinic

Abstract

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and trauma related diagnoses are poorly understood in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DD). The current study examined N = 7695 cases seen by a community mental health provider to compare exposure to PTEs and trauma-related diagnoses between children with ASD, children with DD, and children with other mental health diagnoses (e.g., depression). Predictors included demographics, exposure to negative life events, living situations, and subscales of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Logistic regressions showed that diagnostic group, number and type of negative life events and locations lived, and SDQ subscale scores predicted trauma reports and trauma diagnoses. The findings suggest screener questions that may be useful across diagnostic groups.