Abstract
Objective
To understand nurses’ representation about the care for children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder at Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers.
Methods
This is qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research, with interviews with five nurses from Child Psychosocial Care Centers. Content analysis carried out in the light of the Social Representations Theory.
Results
Nurses’ care at Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers was represented by two thematic categories, the first being “Nurses’ care for children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder”, with subcategories addressing: care with the therapeutic environment; guidelines for caregivers/relatives; case identification; and therapeutic project planning. The second category was represented as “Difficulties faced by nurses in caring for children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder”, and subcategories were represented by: slowness with which care results are achieved; challenges of articulation with family members and the educational system for continuity of care; and professional unpreparedness for care.
Conclusion
Nurses’ care for children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder requires knowledge for identification and assessments, individual care, in groups, for family/caregivers, and for this there are difficulties that can be overcome through the inclusion of theme in training and permanent education in health processes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Nursing care; Mental health; Integrality in health; Continuity of patient care