Papel de la enfermera de Atención Primaria en la detección precoz del niño con Trastorno del Espectro Autista y Síndrome de Asperger

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of this research paper is to analyse the role of primary care nurses in the early detection and monitoring of ASDs. Presentation. The role which primary care nurses may take on in the early diagnosis of ASDs and Asperger´s Syndrome (AS) is highlighted. When assuming said role, nurses must be aware of the corresponding warning signs and ensure the child is thoroughly assessed. Special attention must be paid in particular to the assessment of the child´s functional health patterns on a cognitive- perceptual and role relationship basis. Subsequently, and if diagnosis is confirmed, nurses must monitor the child´s treatment and offer support to the family. Conclusion. It is essential that primary care nurses know how to identify warning signs at early ages and they must be familiar with early detection tools in order to diagnose the child promptly and provide the pertinent care.