(Phys-Org) The growing number of children and adults on the autism spectrum represent a growing need for quality health care that is sensitive to the issues they face. This is the premise and challenge behind a new text, Nursing of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-based Integrated Care across the Lifespan (Springer, April 2012), edited by Dr. Ellen Giarelli, an associate professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, with Dr. Marcia Gardner.

“People with autism spectrum disorders will cross our paths as nurses everywhere in the health care system,” Giarelli said. “Whether they’re going into the emergency room with a broken arm or getting a tonsillectomy, or later in life getting a prostatectomy, nurses will be caring for them. We need to integrate their needs with the process of care.” [Read more...]