Autism or Complex PTSD (or Both)? Untangling the Overlap
Includes a 5-Page Tool With 60+ Characteristics That Differentiate Autism From Complex PTSD & Identify the Overlaps
Autism? Complex PTSD? Both? Let’s Untangle the Overlap.
As a licensed mental health therapist and autism assessor with over a decade of experience working with neurocomplex adults, I’m asked these questions constantly:
Is this Autism? Is it Complex PTSD? Could it be both?
The truth is, there’s no single “gold standard” for differentiating between Autism and C-PTSD—especially when they frequently co-occur or present with similar features. That’s why I finally took the time to compile the guiding questions and clinical markers I use in my own assessment and therapy work into one practical tool.
I'm excited to share this with you.
🧠 What’s Inside This 5-Page Tool?
Clear Descriptions
Concise, clinically informed summaries of Autism and Complex PTSDComprehensive Checklist
Over 60 characteristics categorized by whether they typically align with Autism, C-PTSD, or both—with plenty of nuance and real-world insight
🧰 Who This Tool Is For
This resource is designed to support a wide range of individuals and professionals, including:
For Individuals:
Exploring your own neurotype or trauma history
Supporting and better understanding loved ones
Bringing insight to therapy, coaching, or self-reflection
Preparing for an Autism or mental health assessment
For Professionals:
Therapists
Coaches
Assessors and diagnosticians
Medical and mental health providers
Neurodivergent and trauma-informed allies
This tool is a labor of love—born from years of nuanced clinical work, countless conversations, and the desire to make this process clearer for everyone navigating it.
Thank you for supporting my work here on Substack. Your engagement makes it possible for me to continue creating and sharing resources like this. I hope this tool brings insight, clarity, and compassion to your journey or your practice.
Download it below—and let’s keep doing the work, together.For now,
Lindsey Mackereth, MA, LPCC, LADC
DOWNLOAD HERE: