Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Attributed Meanings And Strategies To Prevent Challenging Behaviors Of Hospitalized Children With Autism: Two Perspectives, Norah L. Johnson Phd, Rn, Cpnp, Abir K. Bekhet, Karen Marie Robinson, Dana Rodriguez

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Understanding is limited of the meaning attributed to behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder and strategies used to prevent challenging behaviors in the context of hospitalization.

Methods

This qualitative study consisted of two focus groups (n = 10; five mothers and five health care providers [HCPs]). Transcripts were analyzed using the qualitative method of narrative inquiry.

Results

The meaning attributed to behaviors by the mothers and the HCPs differed. The mothers attributed behaviors to the child's communication of frustration, hyperactivity, and self-calming. The HCPs attributed challenging behaviors to self-stimulation and child aggression. Strategies to prevent behaviors also …

Genomics And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Norah L. Johnson

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: To present the current state of the evidence regarding translation of genetics (the study of single genes) and genomics (the study of all genes and gene-gene or gene-environment interactions) into health care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: This article presents an overview of ASD as an international health challenge, the emerging science related to broad diagnostic criteria, and the role of the nurse in research, education, and practice.

Findings: Much progress is being made in the understanding of genetics and genomics of ASD. Environmental factors are thought to contribute to the risk of developing ASD by …