Have you ever cared for children with autism, and can you share your knowledge of one of the disorders within the Autism spectrum?

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There are several disorders associated with autism. Until recent years, this diagnosis was not understood and much research is still be conducted to find ways of preventing and diagnosing the disease early. What do you know about autism?

"I am familiar with a few disorders in the autism spectrum. Pervasive Developmental Disorder is more severe than Asperger's syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. I haven't had an opportunity to work directly with autism patients, but would like an opportunity."

"I have some experience, though limited, working with autistic patients. One of the diagnoses I am aware of is Asperger's Syndrome. It is characterized by repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior. Unlike persons with other forms of autism, people who have Asperger's syndrome retain their early language skills."

"I do have experience working with autism disorders. It can be a very disheartening diagnosis for a parent to hear. Autism disorders are considered a 'spectrum' because they occur in varying degrees of severity. Rett syndrome affects primarily female patients. Patients usually have between 6-18 months of normal development, then their mental and social development begin to regress."

Anonymous Answer

"I babysat a toddler with autism on occasion which helped me learn a lot about caring for a child with autism. Babysitting for a child with autism required a high degree of patience because I didn't always know what he wanted. I had to follow a lot of his nonverbal communication because this child didn't talk much. I learned to listen to the parents a lot because they are with the child every day so they know his cues and what he likes best. The autism spectrum can range from mild to severe. One of the disorders within the autism spectrum is Asperger's syndrome. In Aspergers children commonly take a lot of interest in a particular subject and it may come across as being obsessive to some people. Children with Aspergers do not have speech delays. Children with Aspergers usually want to fit in with others but may struggle to do so. By learning about children with Aspergers I learned that a way that you can connect with them is to figure out what that particular subject they are most interested in is and let them tell you about it."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! You have solid experience.

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Anonymous Answer

"I have not had the opportunity to care for a child with Autism however I do understand that diagnosis can be spectrum-based with varying degrees of severity. One of the diagnoses I am aware of is Asperger's in which children retain their language skills. These children become interested in a singular topic. One way to assist in establishing a therapeutic relationship with children with Aspergers is to find out their interests and let them tell you about them while performing nursing interventions."

Amanda's Feedback

This is a strong answer! You acknowledge that you haven't cared for a child on the Autism spectrum, but still share information about one of the spectrum disorders you're aware of. You can make your answer even stronger by expressing your willingness to learn about the Autism spectrum and how best to help children who have been diagnosed when in a medical setting.