APPROACHES OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSES ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES IN EDUCATION AND BEYOND

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines the approaches of mental health nurses on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to improve outcomes in education and beyond. A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted, using Boolean operators and truncators to refine the search strategy. The review included 15 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify the key themes in the literature. The review found that mental health nursing support for children with ASD can be effective in improving educational outcomes and reducing problem behaviors. The key themes that emerged from the literature include the importance of early intervention, the need for a multidisciplinary approach, and the role of the nurse in promoting social inclusion and family involvement. The review also identified some limitations in the current literature, such as a lack of consensus on the most effective interventions and the need for further research to determine the long-term effects of nursing support for children with ASD. Overall, this systematic literature review highlights the importance of mental health nursing support for children with ASD, and the potential for such support to improve outcomes in education and beyond. The review provides valuable insights for mental health nurses, educators, and policymakers and emphasizes the need for a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to supporting children with ASD.