Research Impacting and Involving Autistic Adults Should Be Trauma Informed

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.