Nursing practices for supporting students with autism spectrum disorder in the school community

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, with signs often noticeable at a very early age. Individuals on the autism spectrum experience difficulties in social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and more. Early intervention is essential, as the earlier it begins, the more positive outcomes it can yield across various important aspects of a child’s life. The role of the school nurse is crucial in identifying students’ needs, implementing individualized interventions, and ensuring their health and well-being within the school setting. Collaboration with parents and educators, the development of Individual Health Plans, and an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of ASD are vital for an effective and holistic approach to care. Students on the spectrum often face significant challenges in personal care and hygiene. Examples include oral hygiene, toileting, and menstruation management for girls. The use of visual aids, social stories, and video modeling contributes to enhancing understanding, self-regulation, and daily functionality in children with ASD. Through such interventions, the school nurse can support students in developing or strengthening self-care skills such as hand washing, bathing, tooth brushing, and more. Visual materials are a powerful tool for teaching skills, often proving more effective than verbal instructions alone. Research has shown that video-based interventions facilitate learning through visual representation and imitation, providing consistent and understandable frameworks for performing daily activities.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, school nurse, interventions