The Interactive Trauma Scale: A Web-Based Measure for Children with Autism

Abstract

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and psychometric characteristics of a web-based touchscreen app prototype designed to assess self-reported trauma exposure and symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prototype was piloted with 20 clinically referred children previously diagnosed with ASD and having various known trauma exposures. User satisfaction and reported ease of use was high. The measure was sensitive to reports of teasing and bullying, endorsed by 75% and 70% of participants, respectively. Validity was assessed via comparisons with the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index and analysis of participants’ trauma exposures and symptoms. Clinical implications are discussed including issues of trauma screening, diagnosis, and treatment planning for traumatized youth with ASD.