Presentation: Trauma and an Autism Diagnosis
Presentation Description:
This presentation illustrates how increased trauma in the mother affects the incidence of a diagnosis of Autism.
Research supports that prolonged stress has lasting physical effects on individuals. When a person gets pregnant, they experience hormonal changes, and their bodies release different chemicals in their brain. When a person experiences toxic stress levels during pregnancy, chemicals in the brain affect the person’s ability to manage stress when being flooded for prolonged periods. In people with an ACE score of four or higher, research supports that when a pregnant person is under prolonged stress during pregnancy and has a trauma score of four or higher, they are more likely to give birth to a child who will be diagnosed with Autism.
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Leslie “Allison” Earl is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma City, OK, serving OKC and surrounding areas. Dr. Earl is also a licensing supervisor for LPC Candidates. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, focusing on Human Relations in Counseling. She recently completed her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies.
Dr. Earl hails from the great state of Texas. She chose teaching as a career and soon realized her love for healthcare. Dr. Earl felt that working in a clinical setting would be an immeasurable improvement over serving in the classroom. She soon began working with Dr. Ford at Hands To Guide You and fully realized her passion for becoming a changemaker in healthcare. She believes integrated care is the key to identifying the root cause of illness and gaining insight into how to best treat the whole person.
Dr. Earl is known for her work in the women’s health field in the greater Oklahoma City area. She is also a certified trauma specialist a clinical specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and produces weekly content she calls “Therapy Thursday,” covering various topics. Dr. Earl has presented in Norman, OK, at the NACT meetings and other venues, discussing women’s health and integrated care. She also served as a CGI Brand Ambassador.
When asked what she loves most about being a DBH, clinician, and LPC, she’ll enthusiastically say, “Because I am a lifelong student – I love to learn, and I’m passionate about living optimally. I lead by example. I want to live my best life, and helping others do the same is my purpose!”
When she’s not working or writing, one can find Allison crocheting to her heart’s content. She also loves cuddling with her fur babies, watching movies, or reading her Kindle.
