What do health visitors and school nurses know about the health needs of children with autism?

Abstract

In recent years there has been growing recognition of co-morbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The need to address the co-morbidities of autism is an important aspect of the care provided by health visitors and school nurses. This study aimed to explore the level of knowledge that health visitors and school nurses, including students, have about the health needs of children and young people with ASD. The study used a qualitative approach, employing focus group discussions with the health visitors and school nurses, including students. The results showed that the participants had limited knowledge of the comorbid conditions among children and young people with ASD, but were aware of some of the related health problems. The findings indicated that there is a link between health visitors' and school nurses' knowledge on the topic and the information they could provide to bring wider benefits to ASD individuals and their families as well as public health.