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Briana Trageser, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee:

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Amanda Falkers, EdD, Committee Member

Keiko Sano, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

Autism, Autistic, Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

A qualitative research study focused on Autistic adults explored the lived experiences of trauma. Participants included Autistic adults who have either been professionally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who self-identify as Autistic. Data was collected through a survey with 12 open-ended questions. A thematic analysis revealed six themes: (a) adverse childhood experiences, (b) exposure to violence and loss, (c) difficulty relating to others, (d) complex mind and sensory experiences, (e) medical and mental health challenges, and (f) autistic identity. The themes revealed instances of Autistic people experiencing trauma in ways that differ and vary in clinical presentation from their neurotypical counterparts. Implications and recommendations for professional counseling and counselor education are discussed based on these findings. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Briana Trageser, PhD, 2025

ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0003-7300-6614

Dr. Briana Trageser, PhD, LMHC, NCC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Washington State Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Counselor Educator in Washington. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University Seattle and her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Trageser currently works as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Puget Sound’s MEd Counseling Program in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Trageser’s clinical specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals and their families, as well as with those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational challenges. Her research explores the lived experiences of trauma in Autistic adults to broaden the clinical profile of how trauma and trauma-related disorders present among Autistic individuals. Dr. Trageser has a passion for the counseling field, with special interests in group counseling, clinical supervision, trauma-informed care, disability rights and advocacy, and person-centered and existential therapies.

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