Presenter(s)

• Marianna Messerli, Trauma-Informed Considerations in Autism Evaluations: ​A Scoping Review​, University of Houston
• Allison Eisenhut, Doctoral Student, Baylor
• Tiffany Ngo, School Psychology Doctoral Student, University of Houston
• J´Necia Jackson, Graduate Student
• Milena Keller-Margulis, AssociateProfessor, University of Houston

Abstract

Trauma may be an overlooked factor in autism diagnostic evaluations despite autistic youth being at elevated risk for trauma exposure. This scoping review examines how trauma-related factors are considered within pediatric autism evaluations and identifies important gaps in current assessment practices. The findings underscore opportunities to strengthen trauma-informed diagnostic approaches, ultimately supporting more accurate diagnoses and more effective intervention planning. School psychologists, psychologists, and other professionals involved in autism evaluations may benefit from these recommendations.