Nursing professional’s understanding and screening practices in the identification of children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Early identification and intervention of childhood autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is recognised to have a valuable impact on a child’s life. Nurses who are adequately prepared with the necessary screening practices to do early identification of the children with risk for ASD and knowledge surrounding ASD may enhance the screening practices in the child care delivery system. Objectives: This study was to discuss nurses’ knowledge and understanding about childhood ASD and its’ screening practices among nurses. Methodology: The scoping review approach was adopted for the present study utilised by reviewing electronic databases from inception to 2021. Results: The authors have searched 160 related studies from above-said database and found only 10 full-text studies based on the objective and research question. Based on the review, researchers understood that the Nursing Professionals have scant to moderate knowledge and understanding on childhood ASD and its ‘Screening Practices.’ Effective training programmes and continuing nursing education would hasten the early identification and intervention process in this arena.