Australian Registered Nurse's' Awareness of Key Issues, Ambivalence and Education Related to the Health of People With Intellectual Disability and/or Autism

Abstract

Background: Health outcomes of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability are poor. Yet there is a paucity of nurse education and preparation to care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. Method: A cross sectional survey of Australian Registered Nurses related to their educational experience, awareness of the national disability support scheme and the concept of making reasonable adjustments. Results: The majority of Australian Registered Nurses did not experience undergraduate content related to caring for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability. Few participants experienced a dedicated clinical placement. Just over one half of the participants were aware of reasonable adjustments. Continuing professional education was significantly related to a greater awareness of reasonable adjustments and less ambivalence. Conclusion: Education plays a key role in promoting awareness and reducing ambivalence. Education focussed on understanding the diversity in the particular types of neurodiversity is particularly efficacious.