Briana Trageser, in fulfilling the requirements for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University’s Seattle Campus, has written and published a dissertation titled, The Lived Experiences of Trauma in Autistic Adults: A Thematic Analysis.
Trageser’s qualitative study explored the lived experiences of trauma in Autistic adults, including those with a professional Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and those who self-identify as Autistic. She collected data through a survey featuring 12 open-ended questions, and a thematic analysis revealed six key themes: Adverse childhood experiences, Exposure to violence and loss, Difficulty relating to others, Complex mind and sensory experiences, Medical and mental health challenges, and Autistic identity.
Trageser’s research highlights how Autistic individuals may experience trauma in ways that differ from their neurotypical counterparts, often resulting in varied clinical presentations. Her findings offer critical implications for the counseling profession, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care tailored to Autistic clients. The study offers recommendations for counselor education, advocating for increased awareness and training on neurodivergent experiences of trauma.
Briana Trageser is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Washington State Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Counselor Educator. She serves as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Puget Sound’s MEd Counseling Program in Tacoma, Washington. Working with neurodivergent individuals, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational challenges, she is committed to broadening the clinical profile of trauma-related disorders in Autistic adults. Her work extends to group counseling, clinical supervision, disability rights advocacy, and person-centered and existential therapies.
Read and download Trageser’s dissertation, The Lived Experiences of Trauma in Autistic Adults: A Thematic Analysis, here.
