Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders by Nurse Practitioners in a Community Clinic
Author: Catherine A. Deya
Publisher:
Published: 2019
Total Pages: 116
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKIn the United States, one out of every 68 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Although the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be detected by 24 months of age, the average age of diagnosis is 4 to 5 years. A lack of a diagnostic laboratory test for autism spectrum disorder and inadequate provider training accounts for the difficulty in establishing a diagnosis for the disorder. While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, early identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions can improve a child's development and enhance their quality of life. The goal of this project was to improve the screening for autism spectrum disorder by nurse practitioners in a community health clinic. The project was enacted using the Iowa Model Quality Improvement Framework and concepts and theories adapted from Betty Neuman's system Model. It examined the routine screening practices and use of validated tools for autism spectrum disorder by nurse practitioners in a community health clinic. The project identified culture and language as the biggest barriers to screening for autism spectrum disorder among Somali patients. It developed a video screening resource guide that nurse practitioners can use to screen for autism spectrum disorder during 18 and 24 months well child visits. The resource guide was instrumental in increasing knowledge, transforming nursing practice, and improving the outcomes of Somali children with autism spectrum disorder.
