As a professional in the field of giving care and facilitating the healing of various kinds of infections and diseases, understanding how nurse can help a child with autism can be a step close to delving into the nitty-gritty of the nursing profession.
One of the most dangerous disorder, autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a developmental disorder because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.
The main types of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism.
Autism is common for children with developmental delays to have difficulty with social and emotional skills. For example, they may have trouble understanding social cues, initiating communication with others, or carrying on two-way conversations. They may also have difficulty dealing with frustration or coping with change (ADHD).
The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
Below are the symptoms of a child or someone with the disabilities caused by autism as a problem:
- Delayed or no speech.
- Delays in meeting milestones.
- Poor eye contact.
- Limited facial expressions.
- Odd hand and body movements.
- Unusual reactions to noise, textures and smells
However, autism in children is a critical condition which requires the professional attention of the nurse and so it provokes the question, how nurse can help a child with autism?
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Assessment and Diagnosis
Conduct a comprehensive developmental assessment to identify the child’s strengths and challenges. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, neurologists, and developmental specialists, for accurate diagnosis.
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Family-Centered Care
Involve the family in the care planning process and provide support and education. Encourage open communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and the family.
- Developmental Stimulation
Implement age-appropriate activities and interventions to promote optimal development. Collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to address specific developmental needs.
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Nutritional Support
Collaborate with dietitians to ensure the child receives appropriate nutrition for growth and development. Monitor and address any feeding difficulties or nutritional challenges.
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Medication Management
Administer medications as prescribed to manage underlying medical conditions. Monitor for potential side effects and collaborate with the healthcare team to adjust medications as needed.
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Psychosocial Support
Assess and address the emotional and psychosocial needs of the child and their family. Provide counselling and resources to support coping and resilience.
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Advocacy and Education
Advocate for the rights and inclusion of developmentally compromised children in educational and community settings. Educate caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare providers about the unique needs of these children.
Others Could be:
- Prescription of antipsychotic drugs, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsant drugs.
- The medical management mostly involves the management of the symptoms as well as repetitive behavior that may harm the child.
- Diet modification must also be stressed since these children must have some kind of special diet that will fit their lifestyle. Changing the diet or adding vitamin supplements may improve digestion and eliminate food intolerances or allergies, which may contribute to behavioral problems in autistic patients.
- The physician must provide ample information about the special needs of the child and the available resources for the family to get in the community.
- Proper follow-up on psychiatrists and child developmental specialists must be done routinely in order to prevent untoward physical and mental disabilities. Children with autism may have medical problems, mostly cardiac problems that must also be addressed equally during the course of care.
