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Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are at increased risk of potentially traumatic events and may be at increased risk of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, knowledge regarding identification of PTSD in this population is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical experience regarding PTSD and trauma assessment in individuals with co‐occurring ASD and ID. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore experiences of identifying PTSD in this population among 18 mental health clinicians working with ASD and ID. Results: Informants viewed PTSD in individuals with ASD and ID as equivalent to PTSD in the general population, but with causes and expressions potentially differing. Several factors were described to contribute to challenges in identification. Conclusions: Trauma may have severe impact in individuals with ASD and ID. Multidimensional, individualized assessment strategies seem necessary to recognize PTSD or trauma‐related symptoms in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) seem to be at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but knowledge is sparse regarding its identification in this population. Previous research indicates that certain symptoms of PTSD may be more easily recognized, and that identifying reexperiencing and avoidance is particularly challenging. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore 18 experienced clinicians' perceptions of PTSD symptom expression in ASD and ID through individual, qualitative interviews. Informants provided examples from all symptom groups, but these differed in how frequently they were described. Recognition of reexperiencing may rely on knowledge about individuals' trauma experience. Avoidance may present in a wider range of ways. Development of reexperiencing and avoidance may follow different trajectories in this population, contributing to challenges in recognition. Reexperiencing may be more severe in ASD/ID. Implications are discussed in light of current diagnostic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of sexual abuse. However, little is known about facilitating detection and disclosure. One year after discharge from a specialised psychiatric ward, a young man with mild ID and ASD disclosed previously unknown sexual abuse. The aim of the present study was to explore clinicians' perceptions of their failure to detect abuse. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore five staff members' perceptions, with data being collected through an individual, semi-structured interview. Results: Staff reported behaviours that, in retrospect, they understood as possible indicators of abuse and/or attempts by the patient to disclose. Factors contributing to non-detection included insufficient trauma sensitivity, lack of exploration, and diagnostic overshadowing. Conclusions: Symptoms of trauma should be routinely explored in individuals with ASD and ID referred for psychiatric assessment – even in the absence of known trauma or abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]