Understanding the inner world of autistic adults is key to providing tailored and accurate support for their needs, particularly regarding mental health challenges. In light of this, a study published in the J Trauma Dissociation, 2026 Oct, examined the link between autistic traits and dissociative experiences in adults. Dissociation, characterized by feelings of detachment from oneself or one's surroundings, is linked to a variety of mental states, and the current study offers important insights into its prevalence among autistic people.
The researchers analyzed existing clinical data from 716 patients receiving mental health services in Australia. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed their degree of autistic traits, level of dissociation, and history of exposure to traumatic life events. They were divided into groups based on their level of autistic traits: high, moderate, and low.
The findings consistently showed that patients with high autistic traits had the highest scores on measures of trauma and dissociation. The rate of clinical-level dissociation was significantly higher in the high-trait group (68%) compared to the moderate and low-trait groups (33% and 15% respectively). Those with moderate traits also showed higher scores than those with low traits in most areas.
The findings emphasize a significant correlation between the level of autistic traits and the severity of dissociation, across all subscales examined. The strongest correlation was found in the sensory-motor domain. It is important to note that this link remained even after researchers accounted for the history of negative life events, suggesting that autistic traits themselves may be a vulnerability factor for dissociation, alongside exposure to trauma.
What does this mean for us?
These findings highlight the great importance of identifying and providing tailored support for dissociative experiences among autistic adults. Since the study was conducted among patients receiving mental health services, further research may be needed to examine this link in the broader autistic population who do not necessarily seek mental health treatment. For autistic adults in Israel, this understanding can help therapists and professionals better adapt treatment and offer specific tools and support to help cope with dissociative experiences, improving their quality of life.