Keywords

autism spectrum disorder, curriculum, nursing education, nursing faculty

 

Authors

  1. Gardner, Marcia R. PhD, RN, CPNP, CPN
  2. Suplee, Patricia Dunphy PhD, RNC-OB
  3. Jerome-D'Emilia, Bonnie PhD, RN

Abstract

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased significantly in children and adults. Nursing faculty's ability to teach students about best practices in their care across the lifespan is important. This study explored nurse educators' perceived knowledge of, and levels of comfort in, their abilities to teach nursing students about nursing care of people with ASD. Strategies are proposed to incorporate competencies for care of people with ASD into nursing curricula.