entry by C.Grano MSN, RN, CSN
On Monday, 11/13/17, Jenna Glennon, M.A.T., BCBA, gave an informative presentation on “Understanding Autism: The Role of the School Nurse” to those in attendance at the MCSNA meeting. The following information is taken directly from her presentation. Ms. Glennon discussed the multifaceted aspects of Autism and interventions that the school nurse could utilize within their practice. The diagnosis of Autism was recently changed from a number of related disorders along the spectrum to a single diagnosis. In addition, a related but separate category, social communication disorder, is given to those exhibiting behaviors that interfere with social interactions, social understanding and pragmatics. Although there is no known cause, some current research suggests a possible genetic component to autism. While the national rate has remained the same, the rate in NJ has increased slightly. It is unknown whether this is related to greater awareness, diagnosis and record-keeping or to some other factor(s).
Individuals with autism experience impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. They may have comorbidities including seizures, OCD, ADHD, Depression, GI issues, sleep disturbances and feeding issues. Open communication with the parents allow the School Nurse to become familiar with the needs of the student.Those with ongoing health needs may require an IHP written by the school nurse.
What can the school nurse do? Ms. Glennon recommended applied behavior analysis to help the student adjust, cope and learn within their environment. Although there a number of techniques, she went into further detail regarding prompting and task analysis. Prompting utilizes clues and hints to remind the student of what to do, as opposed to using the word no repetitively. Task analysis breaks tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps so that the student can learn the behavior over time. Understanding the cause of behavior can help us to acknowledge and address it in a supportive and healthy style.
Eileen Gavin, MSN, FNP-BC, presented information regarding the Lions Kidsight Vision Screening program. This program focuses on early detection and treatment of vision problems to decrease negative effects on learning and improve overall health. The Lions can assist the district in a number of ways. They can screen PK and K students (consent required), loan the Welch Allyn SPOT Vision Screeners to schools free of charge, and/or provide SPOT camera training to school nurses. Screening with the SPOT camera is quick and easy. Contact Larry Caminiti at [email protected] for information to schedule training / screening and reserve a SPOT Vision Screener.
Individuals with autism experience impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. They may have comorbidities including seizures, OCD, ADHD, Depression, GI issues, sleep disturbances and feeding issues. Open communication with the parents allow the School Nurse to become familiar with the needs of the student.Those with ongoing health needs may require an IHP written by the school nurse.
What can the school nurse do? Ms. Glennon recommended applied behavior analysis to help the student adjust, cope and learn within their environment. Although there a number of techniques, she went into further detail regarding prompting and task analysis. Prompting utilizes clues and hints to remind the student of what to do, as opposed to using the word no repetitively. Task analysis breaks tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps so that the student can learn the behavior over time. Understanding the cause of behavior can help us to acknowledge and address it in a supportive and healthy style.
Eileen Gavin, MSN, FNP-BC, presented information regarding the Lions Kidsight Vision Screening program. This program focuses on early detection and treatment of vision problems to decrease negative effects on learning and improve overall health. The Lions can assist the district in a number of ways. They can screen PK and K students (consent required), loan the Welch Allyn SPOT Vision Screeners to schools free of charge, and/or provide SPOT camera training to school nurses. Screening with the SPOT camera is quick and easy. Contact Larry Caminiti at [email protected] for information to schedule training / screening and reserve a SPOT Vision Screener.