Autism Nursing?

Specialties Disabilities

Published

Hello everyone I am starting college next month to work on my prerequisites for an ADN program and I also take care of my son who has moderate autism. His autism is actually what inspired this question. Is there an autism nursing specialty? If so on what degree level? Also, does it exist OUTSIDE of the school sector? If I was someday able to incorporate these two into a career it would be fantastic! I would also have a heads up on what to expect from my little guy sometimes. I came here to ask because I am not finding much with google so any information or tips would be great! Thanks!!!!

Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Rheumatology.

I would love to know what you think about this Nurse's story. I am unsure if I am allowed to post a link yet Google "Meet Eileen Walters, Nurse Navigator" + autism.

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I would love to know what you think about this Nurse's story. I am unsure if I am allowed to post a link yet Google "Meet Eileen Walters, Nurse Navigator" + autism.

I know of several children's hospitals that have this kind of program. Some are staffed with nurses, child life specialists, or other team members who are well versed working with patients with autism (or other disabilities) and understand the anxiety and behaviors a medical visit or procedure can elicit.

The goal of these types of programs is to make the visit less traumatic and safe for everyone--especially for those who have frequent medical visits, hospitalizations, or testing.

Families are given homework to try to help prepare or desensitize patients. Homework can include reading a social story (a story with pictures of people, places, and procedures) or through play. A dental visit may be as simple as having the patient be able to sit in the chair. The next visit may be counting front teeth. An actual cleaning may take multiple visits.

These types of programs are beneficial for everyone. When a patient is seen at our facility, the electronic chart is flagged and a visit care plan (suggesting dos and don'ts as well as how to approach the patient, their likes and dislikes, and whether they have behavioral triggers) pops up for staff to review prior to their arrival.

This type of program has worked well for many of our patients and families.

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Specializes in NICU.

I have an autistic child. I don't work with autistic pts (NICU). Kudos to you for your interest! I gotta say, I'm not sure my mental and emotional energy could take working with autistic people at work when I'm exhausted from it at home...

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Rheumatology.

I would say it is becoming a specialty. I know of a Nurse who developing a Program to assist kids with entering the Hospital facility and getting through their Doctor's appointments successfully. If she choose to, I could see her consulting . It is all about how we choose to Brand and Package our expertise.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Rheumatology.

@ enuf_already Can you tell me more about hospitals , besides Seattle, that has programs like this in place?

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