Running head: JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW 2
Journal Article Review #2
Katrina Shumpert
Liberty University
September 25, 2016
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JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW 2
Summary
The Effects of Psychological Trauma on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A
Research Review by Daniel Hoover examines other articles and studies that look at the types of
traumatic exposure and symptoms transpiring in children with ASD. Hoover includes the criteria
and keywords searched when selecting articles and reviews to be used in his own research. The
traumatic events that are touched on throughout the article include bullying, peer victimization,
and neglect. The findings show that children with ASD are bullied more often than their non-
disabled peers. Through the review there was no clear evidence to show that children with ASD
have PTSD symptoms when they experience traumatic events. Further research is needed to
determine more on the topic of children with ASD and trauma experiences and symptoms.
Hoover explains, “This review has attempted to summarize the existing research about childhood
trauma and its implications for children with ASD” (2015, p. 294).
Analysis of Author’s Key Points
Through the reviews it was found that children with ASD are bullied more often, which
seems logical. Children with ASD report these events and also their symptoms and feelings
regarding the circumstance. The only concern with this is that children with ASD may not always
report how they feel appropriately. Some children with ASD may not always be able to report
how they feel at all due to language or speech barriers. For this reason, the symptoms of the child
generally rely on the parents or someone who observes the child. The other concern with these
studies is that children with ASD may not always know when they are being bullied; especially
when it is done verbally. Within the article Hoover includes a table that shows the studies on
children with ASD and the symptoms they have and how the symptoms are acknowledged (by
the child or by a parent). There is not always a way to know their symptoms. Research will
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continue to find ways to assess children with ASD and how trauma affects them. The audience
sees that plenty of research has been completed on children with ASD facing traumatic
experiences and how it affects them, but the question is why. With the research complied it helps
educators in their intervention procedures and could lead to strategies when working with
children with ASD.
Personal Response
The compilation of research gives the reader insight into the symptoms and traumatic
experiences that children with ASD face. Educators need to be aware that bullying or abuse may
be more traumatic to children with ASD because they do not always have communication or
social skills. Individuals that work closely with this population have to come up with solutions
for assessing symptoms gained from such traumatic experiences. Something that would be
valuable to include in this article is the strategies to treat these students.
JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW 2
References
Hoover, D. W. (2015). The Effects of Psychological Trauma on Children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders: A Research Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,
2(3), 287-299. Retrieved from doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1007/s40489-
015-0052-y
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