EMDR Can Help with Trauma
In this blog post by Jennifer Giustra-Kozek LPC HpN, she explains how EMDR can be helpful for children with autism and other developemental delays because they have often suffered trauma.
“EMDR induces a fundamental change in brain circuitry similar to what happens in REM sleep — that allows the person undergoing treatment to more effectively process and incorporate traumatic memories into general association networks in the brain. This helps the individual integrate and understand the memories within the larger context of his or her life experience.”
Numerous research articles have established EMDR’s efficacy for emotional and physical trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And more recently, researchers are beginning to find EMDR to also be useful for those on the autism spectrum.
EMDR is a blend of psychotherapy and bilateral brain stimulation which is highly successful in treating a range of mental health, intellectual and developmental disorders when modified or adapted to the client’s developmental level of functioning. During this procedure, patients tend to “process” the memory in a way that leads to a peaceful resolution. This often results in increased insight regarding both previously disturbing events and long held negative thoughts about the self. Francine Shapiro PhD, the originator of EMDR, agrees.
“Since the autism spectrum disorder population is acutely sensitive to environmental disruption, many everyday experiences can cause emotional disturbance, including trauma symptoms. For instance, one child displayed a high level of post-traumatic stress symptoms after going through a car wash, or getting bullied. While recent research has shown that general life experiences can cause even more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder than major trauma in the general population, the susceptibility is even more problematic for those with autism. Reports of positive treatment effects with autism spectrum disorder include a loss of trauma symptoms, increased stability of mood, greater communication and an increase in socialization.”
About Jennifer Giustra-Kozek LPC HpN
Jennifer Giustra-Kozek is a board-certified licensed psychotherapist with many years of clinical experience. She has a Masters of Science in Counseling and is certified in integrative medicine for mental health. She specializes in working with ADHD, depression, anxiety/OCD, and autism.
She is the author of an award-winning book, Healing without Hurting: Treating ADHD, Apraxia and Autism Spectrum Disorders Naturally and Effectively without Harmful Medication. She is also the co-author of our book Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. You can find out more about her at healingwithouthurting.com and onyourpathtohealing.com
Still Looking for Answers?
Visit the Epidemic Answers Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.
Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.
Sources & References
Brand Flu, R.L. Tap, tap, tap the use fullness of EMDR on kids on the autism spectrum. European Psychiatry, 27, 1, (2012).
Firat, S., et al. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND SPECIFIC PHOBIA. TREATMENT WITH EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING: REPORT OF TWO CASES. Psychiatr Danub. 2023 Fall;35(3):440-444.
Leuning, E.M., et al. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in adolescents with autism; Efficacy on ASD symptoms and stress. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 15:14:981975.
Lobregt-van Buuren, E., et al. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as a Feasible and Potential Effective Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a History of Adverse Events. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 Jan;49(1):151-164.
Lowry, M.A. Assessment and treatment of mood disorders in persons with developmental disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 10 (1998) 387-406.
Resources
Articles
Shapiro, Francine, PhD. “Expert Answers on EMDR,” New York Times (16 Mar. 2012).
