This study explored school nurses knowledge of the diagnostic criteria and secondary conditions
related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their involvement in the identification and
treatment of ASD, their knowledge of medication used to treat ASD, and their overall medication
management of children with ASD. Participants included 100 school nurses, representing 18
states, who completed a survey on ASD. The response rate was 16.45%. The majority of school
nurses were aware Autism and Asperger’s Disorder should fall under the classification of ASD
within the school setting. They were less sure on whether PDD-NOS should be included as an
ASD. A high percentage indicated they received training in the area of ASD from self-study
rather than from formal coursework or supervised clinical experiences. Results found limited
involvement of school nurses during the assessment and evaluation process. However, there was
more involvement after children had been classified with an ASD, which was primarily limited
to the administration of medication and medical treatments. School nurses reported being
qualified to administer medication to children with ASD. They also reported being
knowledgeable regarding the potential side effects of the medication they administered. The
most common medication administered to children with ASD was stimulants. One anti-psychotic medication, Risperdal, appears to be administered fairly frequently by school nurses to
children with ASD. Eighty percent surveyed did not report making any medication errors. The
majority of school nurses were responsible for supervision of un-licensed personnel in the
administration of medication. Besides nurses, secretaries/administrative assistants were the most
common school employees administering medication within schools. / Department of Special Education
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:123456789/197398 |
| Date | 20 July 2013 |
| Creators | McIntosh, Constance E. |
| Contributors | Merbler, John B. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
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