Agnes F. Liem

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Project Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Program Affiliation

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Rivard

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of several complex neurodevelopmental conditions that include deficits in communication, social functioning, and specific repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Based on the services that they receive, parents’ perceptions of care for children with ASD elicit both positive and negative overall experiences during their pediatric outpatient clinic visits. Literature suggests caregivers identify PCP and clinic personnel’s lack of understanding or compassion for a child with ASD as a barrier. Additionally, caregivers identify more external concerns such as environmental stimuli and overstimulation, waiting too long, not knowing what will happen, and the physical examinations during the clinic visits as concerns for their children.

The purpose of this survey-design, observational, quality improvement project was two-fold: (1) to identify and collect information from caregivers of children inclusive of ages 4-17 years with ASD to evaluate and assess common environmental and situational external triggers that may cause stress for the child during outpatient clinic visits, and (2) identify specific caregiver recommendations and perceptions of barriers to alleviate these challenges and improve the overall health care experience.

The quality improvement project resulted in gathering feedback and information from caregivers related to their children’s environmental stressors and recommendations for improvement during pediatric clinic visits. Important resources identified by caregivers primarily centered on the need to adapt or tailor specific care to their children’s needs by using distractions or being more mindful of their autistic child.

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