From the Guidelines
Nursing report requirements for an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requiring a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan change are not explicitly stated in the provided evidence.
Key Considerations
- The provided studies focus on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with ASD, with limited relevance to adults 1.
- However, it can be inferred that a comprehensive nursing report for an adult with ASD requiring an NDIS plan change should include long-term treatment planning and family support, as well as assessment of the individual's changing needs over time 1.
- The report should also consider the multidisciplinary care and coordination of services required for individuals with ASD, as well as advocacy for individuals and their families 1.
Report Requirements
- A detailed assessment of the individual's social, communicative, and cognitive skills and how they impact daily life.
- An evaluation of the individual's developmental and behavioral problems and how they are being addressed.
- A description of the multidisciplinary care and services being provided, including any psychopharmacologic and behavioral interventions.
- An outline of the individual's goals and objectives, including any vocational and prevocational training.
- A discussion of the family's needs and support requirements, including any respite care or counseling.
From the Research
Nursing Report Requirements for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
To develop a comprehensive nursing report for an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requiring a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan change, several key aspects must be considered:
- The individual's specific needs and challenges associated with ASD, including social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities 2
- The importance of accommodations, assistive technologies, therapies, and caregiver training in improving the individual's quality of life 2
- The need for identification of comorbid health difficulties and development of rigorous treatment trials (pharmacological and psychological) for adults with ASD 3
- The importance of considering the individual's views and experiences, as well as those of their caregivers, in the development of their NDIS plan 3, 4
Assessment and Planning
When assessing an adult with ASD for an NDIS plan change, nurses should:
- Consider the individual's strengths, challenges, and goals, as well as their support needs and preferences 3
- Evaluate the individual's physical and mental health, including any comorbidities or health risks associated with ASD 5, 6
- Develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the individual's specific needs and goals, including strategies for improving their quality of life and increasing their independence 2, 3
Support and Services
Nurses should also consider the following support and services when developing an NDIS plan for an adult with ASD:
- Access to therapies, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychology, to support the individual's communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors 2, 3
- Assistance with daily living tasks, such as personal care, meal preparation, and household management, as needed 3
- Support for caregivers, including education, training, and respite care, to help them manage the individual's needs and reduce their own stress and burnout 2, 3