Abstract. The problem of recognizing psychotrauma is key and complex when it comes to children and teenagers, particularly in children on the autism spectrum. The specifics of thinking, which is often literal and without recognizing another person’s point of view, and the difficulty of telling an experience in words, lead to a situation in which psychotrauma remains inaccessible for detection, and not only in children who do not have developed expressive speech. The present study aims to examine the ability of children with autism spectrum symptoms who have experienced psychotrauma to perceive psycho-logical support and empathy. The sample consisted of 15 children aged 12 to 18, diagnosed in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic at the Sv. Marina University Hospital, Varna. For the purpose, a short list of the most frequently observed reactions in children on the autism spectrum who have experienced a psychotraumatic event was prepared. After the meeting the participants in the study answered an open-ended question about the factors that make them feel calm and accepted during the consultation, and the most common answers were summarized. The results show that children with autism have serious difficulties in making sense of the trauma, which complicates the diagnosis of post-traumatic disorder in them. In terms of counseling, their understanding of support and empathy is different from the traditional meaning that psychologists and psychotherapists use, and is based on an overall sense of safety, security and acceptance, and on unobtrusive approach on the part of the psychologist. In over 80% of the children studied, counseling parents on how to emotionally support the child who has experienced a traumatic event is of fundamental importance.

Key words: psychotrauma, autism, empathy

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