McIntosh Constance E, Thomas Cynthia M, Brattain Chloe K
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Ball State University, Brownsburg, IN.
NASN Sch Nurse. 2016 May;31(3):164-9. doi: 10.1177/1942602X15580798. Epub 2015 Apr 13.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term encompassing a group of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Children with ASD present behavioral, communication, and social behaviors. One in 68 individuals is diagnosed with autism. With ASD prevalence continuing to rise, it makes sense for school nurses to identify areas that may be helpful in serving this population. This school nurse focus group study shared specific areas that would benefit school nurses when working with children with autism. Two glaring trends surfaced from the focus group--continuing education needs and communication among all school professionals (i.e., teachers, special education services).
