Nurses' Knowledge and Understanding about Autism

摘要

The worldwide prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been estimated to be 6.2/1000[1] andincreased to one out of every 68 children.[2] Health-care professional's understanding and knowledge ofautism influences the average age of diagnosis and provision of further information to caregivers. Earlydevelopmental screening and surveillance for ASD are not done regularly in India.[3] The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics recommended the regular developmental screening program. The periodicexaminations at 15 , 18 , and 24 months are particularly useful because the characteristics of autismoften begin to emerge during the 2 year of life.[4] It is identified that nurses have inadequate knowledgeabout ASD screening practices and this might be a major barrier to do early identification andinterventions.[5] Thus, improving nurse's understanding, knowledge, and skill regarding screening andearly identification of the children with ASD is essential.