Introduction O Purpose O My choice O What will be
discussed
Slide 4
Autism Gender Genetics Treatment Autism is on the rise in the
United States
Slide 5
Autism and Comorbidities O Care Problem: Children with autism
may have as many comorbidities as children without autism, but they
may be difficult to diagnose as they have a different presentation.
O Comorbidity: the presence of one or more additional disorders (or
diseases) co-occurring with a primary disease or disorder.
Slide 6
Theory and justification O Theory: Jean Watson's Caring Model O
Watsons definition of health: O A high level of overall physical,
mental, and social functioning O A general adaptive-maintenance
level of daily functioning JUSTIFICATION O Educate O Symptoms do
not always pertain to a certain disease
Slide 7
Methods O The study used a school-based health survey O 91
children between 6-14 years of age O Medical records of each child
were reviewed O Schools that had completed the revised Autism
Diagnostic Interview
Slide 8
Results O Over half of the children had at least one
comorbidity O Most common comorbidity epilepsy or ADHD
Slide 9
Critique of Study O Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric
Nursing O 90% of resources are within the last 5 years O
Cross-sectional Design O level of evidence= level C
Slide 10
3. UNDERSTAND the importance of the propositions, assumptions,
and confounding variables. Proposition: If symptoms are not
evaluated, a child may develop or have another disorder
(comorbidity) that is not being treated. If this disorder is not
treated it could lead to harm or possibly death. Significance of
Assumptions: If a physician, nurse, parent, or child does not look
into symptoms due to the belief that the symptoms are due to the
childs autistic disorder, it could lead to the worsening of the
comorbidity disorder. Possible Confounding Variables: If a parent
has a fear of another disorder, or their child being sick more,
they may not answer autistic treatment questions truthfully. They
may also not get their child evaluated for other disorders. If a
physician or nurse is not knowledgeable about autistic symptoms
then they may blow any other symptoms off that are similar but
different. By doing this they may let another disorder slide past
with diagnosis or treatment. 2. RELATE Or put the variables
together to form propositions. Primary Proposition: A child with
autism has one or more comorbidities that cannot be identified due
to the signs of similar symptoms to autistic disorder. Possible
Assumptions: A child does not have a comorbidity and is just
showing symptoms of his or hers autistic disorder. Possible
Confounding Variables: Parent may not believe child has another
disorder. Parent may answer questions falsely. May not recognize
symptoms that belong to a different disorder. May assume that a
symptom belongs to the autistic disorder so do not check into it.
1.IDENTIFY the variables in this situation 91 Children between ages
6-14 Diagnosed with autism Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist
Comorbidity Parents 4. EXPLAIN the significance of the situation to
those involved based on their individual KSVME Proposition: In a
way that will benefit the child, explain to the parent the
importance of testing for disorders if a child is showing a symptom
often, even if it is similar to an autistic symptom. Help to
explain the harm an undiagnosed disorder could do. Assumptions:
Confounding: Make sure all physicians, nurses, and parents are
educated on autistic disorders, so they can see the slight changes
that may represent a different disorder. Variables: Educate parents
to relieve any fears. Educate physicians and nurses so disorders
are properly diagnosed. PLAN OF CARE
Slide 11
5. PREDICT what will happen in this situation if one or more
variables are not changed. Proposition: If having autism increases
the chances of having a comorbidity - due to changes in genetics
-and the comorbidity is not diagnosed, then the child's chances of
getting harmed or having an infection, disease, or dying increase.
Assumptions: If a person will look at a child's symptoms more
closely and not assume it is one thing, then the chance of
diagnosing a second disorder will be increased, thus improving the
childs quality of life. Confounding Variables: If a parents fear
can be resolved then their child will receive better care and
treatment. If a healthcare team can be better educated, disorders
will not go undiagnosed. 6. INFLUENCE someone to change one or more
variables in order to achieve a desired outcome or prevent an
undesirable one. Proposition: Make sure parent and healthcare team
understand the genetic disposition of autism. Know the increased
risks of other disorders accompanying that of an autistic one.
Educate on signs and symptoms so disorders can be correctly
identified. Assumptions: Make sure persons are educated and
understand the different symptoms for different disorders. Instruct
them in what to do if a symptom persists. Confounding Variables:
Share resources such as seminars, conferences, journals, articles,
classes, and videos that will help to educate and build confidence
in a persons understanding. 7. CONTROL one or more variables in
order to achieve a desired outcome or prevent an undesirable one.
To control isnt an issue of wanting to dominate or do what is
unreasonable or unwanted, but simply a matter of changing one or
more variables in order to bring about a desired outcome when
influence is not possible, realistic, or advisable. - Give out
pamphlets and resources
Slide 12
CARE O Knowledge deficit r/t undiagnosed cormobidities in
autistic children aeb misinterpretation of symptoms O EDUCATION is
key
Slide 13
Advocate Role O Disorder that is not fully understood O Mental
health disorders are frowned upon by the general public O Child not
cared for or diagnosed properly
Slide 14
Significance to Nursing O Nurses care for children with mental
health disorders O Nurses need to be aware of several disorders O
Be knowledgeable about symptoms and traits Famous People with
Autism Beethoven Mozart Emily Dickinson Albert Einstein Charles
Darwin Sir Isaac Newton
Slide 15
References O Colley, S. (2014) NURS 441 research in nursing
[syllabus]. 6. O Kordi, R., Memari, A., Mirfazeli, F. & Ziaee,
V. (2012) Investigation of autism comorbidities and associations in
a school-based community sample. Journal of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatric Nursing, 25, 8490. doi:
10.1111/j.1744-6171.2012.00325.x O Nursing Theories (2012). Jean
watsons philosophy of nursing. Retrieved June 15, 2014 from
http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Watson.html O Videbeck, S.
L. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
