Trajectories of adverse childhood experiences among children with autism

• Published in: Research in autism spectrum disorders 2021-11, Vol.89, p.101876, Article 101876
• Main Author: Rigles, Bethany
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adverse childhood experiences; Autism; Health; Trajectory models; Well-being
• ISSN: 1750-9467; 1878-0237
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101876

•Children with ASD experience significantly more adverse events compared to their peers in the general population.•Certain sub-groups of children with ASD (e.g., ethnic minorities, those of lower socioeconomic status, girls, etc.) experience significantly higher ACE trajectories over time.•Higher ACE trajectories are associated with significant reductions in current well-being. Children with autism experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) compared to their peers. Little is known about how the timing of ACES may be associated with the timing of autism diagnosis, which types of children experience the most ACEs, or how one’s ACE trajectory affects current well-being. This study aims to address these gaps. An online survey was distributed to parents of children with autism (N = 902). Group-based trajectory models were created and analyzed using multiple regression techniques. Three ACE trajectory groups were identified, with children in the highest ACE group diagnosed at a significantly later age and significantly more likely to be Hispanic, less resourced, and female compared to their peers. Children in the high ACE group were also significantly more likely to report poorer current well-being compared to their peers. Interventions to reduce family stress around the time of autism diagnosis that target high-risk groups are critical for improving well-being in this population.