Trauma & How It Impacts Those on the Autism Spectrum

Written By Ryan Hawks

Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing or disturbing. It can result from various experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence. Trauma often leaves lasting emotional scars, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and difficulty trusting others. These symptoms can severely impact a person's ability to function in daily life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being. The effects of trauma can be complex and enduring, requiring careful attention and treatment to heal.

How Autism Impacts Depression

For individuals with autism, the impact of trauma can be different and often more pronounced than for neurotypical individuals. Autistic individuals may have heightened sensory sensitivities, making certain traumatic events even more overwhelming. Additionally, difficulties in communication and emotional expression can make it harder for autistic people to process and articulate their traumatic experiences. They might express their distress through increased repetitive behaviors, heightened anxiety, or withdrawal from social interactions. The social and sensory challenges that many autistic individuals face can also make them more vulnerable to experiencing trauma, as they may struggle to navigate or avoid situations that could be harmful.

Finding Hope

Despite the profound impact trauma can have, there is hope for recovery and healing, even for those with autism. Trauma-informed therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals can be highly effective. These approaches may include sensory-sensitive environments, clear and direct communication, and strategies that respect and accommodate the individual's need for routine and predictability. With the right support, individuals with autism can work through the challenges that trauma presents, building resilience and finding ways to regain a sense of safety and control in their lives. Healing from trauma is a journey, but with patience, understanding, and appropriate care, it is possible to achieve meaningful recovery.

We at ScenicView Clinic are trained in supporting individuals working through trauma. We also recognize how autism can make certain challenges such as trauma particularly challenging, and we are prepared to help you work through a neurodiverse-friendly lens. To schedule a free consultation with a therapist, call 801-226-2550 or text 801-226-8297.

 
Meet Our Clinicians
Whitney Clayton, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, SSW
Whitney Clayton, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, SSW

Whitney Clayton obtained her undergraduate degree in Social Work with a minor in Autism Studies from Utah Valley University and became a Social Service Worker shortly after graduating. Whitney furthered her education by obtaining her master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, becoming ScenicView's first Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2019. Whitney was also awarded the Related Service Provided of the Year award  by the NATSAP organization in 2018. In addition to her passion for working with adults on the Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning differences, Whitney also has strong interests in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

In her spare time, Whitney enjoys working out, spending time outdoors and visiting new places with her family.

Read More →
Serah Cakir, RBT
Serah Cakir, RBT

Serah Cakir is a Registered Behavior Technician completing her Bachelor’s degree in History Education with an Autism Studies minor at Utah Valley University. She became passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals after working in a residential center for teenagers and through her experiences with family members on the spectrum. At Scenic View Academy, she supports autistic adults through naturalistic interventions that build skills in real conversations and daily routines. In her spare time she loves playing Dungeons and Dragons, paddleboarding, spending time with animals, and reading fantasy books.

Read More →
Karen Amsden, LCSW
Karen Amsden, LCSW


Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master’s Degree in Social Worker from the University of Utah. She earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from BYU. Karen completed internships at ScenicView Academy as well as the Children’s Justice Center. Karen worked for the local mental health authority for 31 years and was the Clinical Director of the Intensive Residential Treatment Program for adults with mental illness for over 10 years.  She was a therapist on the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) and served clients experiencing crisis and/or suicidal ideation all over Utah County from Mona to Eagle Mountain. Karen also worked as an onsite therapist at the Crisis Receiving Center in Provo from 2012 to 2024.

Read More →
Shelly Hutchinson, M.Ed., SSW, BCBA, LBA
Shelly Hutchinson, M.Ed., SSW, BCBA, LBA

Shelly is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a minor in Autism Studies, and a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since 2016, she has been part of the ScenicView Academy team, where she combines evidence-based ABA strategies with a compassionate, strengths-focused approach. While at UVU, she contributed to multiple research projects on autism and mental health, presenting findings at both local and regional conferences.

Her master’s thesis focused on applying Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) principles to help individuals clarify what truly matters to them, increase motivation, and make choices that align with their values, even in the face of challenges. Shelly has taught classes and worked one-on-one with young adults to build self-confidence, strengthen executive functioning skills, and apply problem-solving abilities to real-life situations. She particularly enjoys helping clients notice when they’re “stuck” and learn practical strategies for moving forward in ways that align with their personal goals.

Outside of work, Shelly enjoys music, exploring family history, traveling to state and national parks, and spending time with friends and family playing games.

Read More →
Olivia Hillman, RBT, BAIT
Olivia Hillman, RBT, BAIT

Olivia holds a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Behavior Analyst in Training (BAIT), she brings over 12 years of experience supporting neurodiverse communities. Olivia is committed to promoting inclusion, understanding, and meaningful connection. Her approach blends compassion with evidence-based practice to create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. In her free time, Olivia enjoys making art, spending time in nature, and exploring new places.

Read More →
Char Romberg, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Char Romberg, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Char joined ScenicView as an intern and now serves as our third full-time BCBA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Autism Studies and a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Utah Valley University. With over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, she has received advanced ABA training from one of the world’s leading experts at Autism Partnership.

Read More →
Brialee Turner, CSW
Brialee Turner, CSW

My name is Brialee Turner (she/her), and it's a pleasure to meet you! As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I know how healing it can be to experience therapy that is inclusive and validating. My wish for our work together is to develop a transformative and equitable therapeutic relationship. You can expect an inviting and colorful atmosphere, creative and experiential interventions, and a flexible therapeutic lens. I love to work with neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients of all ages. 

Read More →
Molly Christianson, CSW
Molly Christianson, CSW

Read More →
Katrina Williams, LCSW
Katrina Williams, LCSW

Read More →
Amy Corry, CSW
Amy Corry, CSW

Amy is a queer autistic CSW who did an internship at ScenicView Academy as a bachelor of social work student at UVU, and fell in love with working with "their people." They went on to earn a master of social work to extend their ability to work with the neurodivergent community.

Read More →
Aaron Ridenour, CMHC
Aaron Ridenour, CMHC

Aaron has worked at ScenicView for over 14 years in various positions, including human service worker, case manager, educator, and therapist before supervising the clinical support unit. He enjoys working with both therapists and behavioral specialists on a daily basis to address the needs of students as they progress through the program.

Read More →
Sarah Miller, CSW
Sarah Miller, CSW

Sarah is a Clinical Social Worker and received her master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2023. She earned a bachelor’s in Family Life from Brigham Young University in 2011.

Sarah has recently worked as a therapist for Family Services. She also has had the opportunity to intern at Wasatch Behavioral Health.

Read More →
Sarah Heuser, CSW
Sarah Heuser, CSW

Sarah Heuser is a CSW practicing in Provo, UT. She is an autistic and queer therapist specializing in autism and LGBT+ issues. Sarah chose to become a therapist in a single moment wherein she thought she could do better than her own therapist.

Read More →
Laurel Smith, CSW
Laurel Smith, CSW

Laurel began working in the human services field in 2002 and has enjoyed it ever since. She began working direct care with intellectually disabled adults and has held various positions including program coordination and case management for the local mental health community agency

Read More →
Ryan Hawks, CMHC
Ryan Hawks, CMHC

Ryan Hawks is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Beginning his with a Bachelor’s Degree in recreation therapy from Brigham Young University and subsequent experience working at ScenicView Academy as a recreation therapist, Ryan believes strongly in experiential learning and helping clients challenge their comfort zone.

Read More →


Ryan Hawks
Next

Anxiety & How It Impacts Those on the Autism Spectrum