Literature Search, Rapid Critical Appraisal, and Summary

Running head: AUTISM 1

AUTISM 4

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Katherine Quintana

West Coast University

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurobehavioral and developmental disorder that results in communication, social, and behaviour challenges (CDC, 2020). Although it is not possible to physically recognize people with ASD, it is through interaction, talking, and learning that one can identify the symptoms. Initially, physicians used to diagnose ASD separately from other conditions such as pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), autistic disorder, and Asperger syndrome (Speaks, 2011). However, they are all included in the diagnosis and are called autism spectrum disorder. Some of the weaknesses depicted by people with autism include the inability to predict behaviour of others regarding their feelings and thoughts. Also, they have executive functions disability: it is not possible to control their behaviour. The patients also lack noticing small details such as parts of an object.

Some interventions can be made to support children and adults with autism. Research shows that early intervention can improve social skills, communication, learning, and brain development process. Therapies have been used for decades as well as applied behaviour analysis. More interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder include occupational and speech therapy (Speaks, 2011). About one in every five children is likely to lose social interests, language ability, and other skills.

ASD starts early in life and affects the social life of a person. Studies show that men are three times more likely than women to suffer from autism (Speaks, 2011). Scientists argue that females have an innate resistance to genetic aspects causing autism. This theory asserts that women can live without the effects of this built-in resistance, but they can pass them to their sons. Since the boys have no protective effects, they might be infected with ASD. Autism is also genetically transferred. Research shows that parents with siblings who have autism are more than three times likely to have ASD children compared to ordinary parents.

The relevance of the Topic to Nursing Practice

Autism research is essential for people affected by ASD and for preventing symptoms. It also helps a nurse to understand the broad scope of neurodevelopmental disorders. For instance, about 30 to 60 per cent of children with ASD are likely to suffer from Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (CDC, 2020). Severe sleep problems are also common for the majority. Also, it familiarizes a medical professional with other medical and mental health disorders. For instance, epilepsy is common for 33% of the population, gastrointestinal disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

A nurse with ASD knowledge is likely to offer a specialized level of care to people living with autism. The total cost for autism each year is estimated to be $60000 with much of the cost going to particular services. Nurses must take care of patients with self-injurious behaviours such as hitting something, biting arms, headbanging, and more. Most of the patients are unsafe, and a nurse should keep watching them.

PICOT Questions

1. Are the children born to older parents more likely to be found with autism more than children of younger parents when diagnosed after three years?

2. Are children with autism spectrum disorder more likely to experience maltreatment than children without ASD as shown by the Child Abuse Hotline at the age of 8?

3. Do parents who have relatives with autism increase the risk of having children with autism compared to parents without autism backgrounds by the age of 3?

References

CDC. (2020). Basics About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC. Retrieved 5 September 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

Speaks, A. (2011). What is autism. Retrieved on November, 17, 2011.