This is a recording of a Michigan State University Extension webinar that originally aired on November 12, 2013.

Trauma experiences leave people feeling hopeless, helpless and potentially fearing for their safety and survival. Being the target of bullying behaviors can produce trauma responses for many young people, and this can be especially debilitating for children and teens who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This webinar featured Sarah Slamer, Assistant Director with the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. Sarah provides an overview of trauma and how specific aspects of ASD (such as increased anxiety, social difficulties and misperceptions) become the private logic of these youth that drive their behaviors. Using case examples and images, Sarah highlights what adolescents living with autism have shared about their trauma experiences with bullying situations. She also provides strategies adults can use to support these young people.  

This webinar was developed as part of Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments, a Michigan State University Extension initiative designed to help communities learn about and address issues of bullying, bias and harassment in the lives of young people. Be SAFE taps the wisdom and resiliency of young people and invites youth and adults to work in partnership to create relationships and settings that are physically and emotionally safe. Be SAFE includes a comprehensive curriculum, which is designed for use within out-of-school time settings as well as middle school settings and which includes more than 30 engaging and experiential activities designed for group learning.