Is Autism Often Confused with PTSD?

PostedNovember 12, 2025

UpdatedNovember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, confusion between autism vs PTSD is more common than many realise. Both conditions can present with emotional withdrawal, hypervigilance, and difficulty with social interaction, which can lead to clinical misinterpretation. However, while autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, PTSD is a psychological response to trauma.

Misdiagnosis can occur when autistic behaviours such as shutdowns, avoidance, or intense reactions are interpreted as trauma symptoms. In fact, autistic individuals may also experience trauma, making it even harder to distinguish between the two without a careful, detailed evaluation. Recognising the differences is essential to avoid treating the wrong condition or missing the support someone truly needs.

Shared Traits That Can Cause Confusion

Several behavioural responses are seen in both autism and PTSD, but they stem from different roots:

Avoidance or Withdrawal

PTSD-related avoidance is usually linked to specific trauma triggers. In autism, it often comes from sensory overload or difficulty navigating social environments.

Emotional Numbing or Flatness

Autistic individuals may struggle to express emotions outwardly. In PTSD, emotional blunting often develops after trauma as a protective response.

Hyperarousal or Sensory Sensitivity

While PTSD can cause a heightened startle response, autistic people may be naturally sensitive to light, sound, or touch.

Distinguishing between autism vs PTSD helps ensure more accurate diagnosis and better-targeted interventions.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape,read our complete guide to misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.