The learning disability and Autism CPD activity started on Monday, 10th of July, at 9:30 and ended on Friday, 14th of July 2023, at 12:30 pm. On Monday morning, we began with a brief introduction to what the week would be like. We had the opportunity to learn from a learning disability nurse and service users and careers about caring for autistic people. On Wednesday, my group (B2) and other groups have to go for skills and simulation sections face-to-face in the Mary Secole building and the community rooms GH014. I enjoyed volunteering for the autistic patient’s wound care at the hospital with her mother after an accident. My feedback was very encouraging, and I will work on the negative and positive aspects.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability resulting from neurological disparities. An autistic person or people’s brain works differently from other people. People with ASD frequently struggle with social communication, interaction, and limited or repeating activities or behaviours. ASD is a developmental disorder characterised by atypical methods of learning, moving, and paying attention. For example, they may avoid or not make eye contact. One of the videos on BBC iPlayer that I watch strake me the most; the lady who said when she is talking to someone face to face, she only looks at your nose and not the eyes was shocking. After listing and watching the videos, l realised that Autistic persons are all different and unique, which is why it is a spectrum. Some autistic people may need little or no support. Others may need more support from parents or careers every day. The Autistic Spectrum Disorder, there is Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism who are either below or above-average intelligence. Autism affects individuals in a variety of ways and to varying degrees. There are similarities between Asperger’s Syndrome and autism, but individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome have fewer difficulties with communication and are frequently of average or above-average intelligence. They have sensory overload.
As a student nurse, I will come across learning disability patients and or autistic patients. The essential duty is education, raising awareness of the difficulties the physical environment can pose for individuals with autism. Always ask and listen to family members, specialise teams and careers about the individual using person-centred care, their preferences and needs. As an educator and a link, providing care for autistic patients must be accessible, available, and knowledgeable. I should be able to encourage, boosting zeal by giving positive reinforcement and showing empath and compassion to the autistic patient. I should, however, be aware that some autistic patients may Always keep in mind that autistic patients will carry their hospital or autistic passports at all times to check for any triggers when the need arises.
To improve health and well-being, all nurses must offer educational assistance, facilitation skills, and therapeutic nursing interventions. They must promote self-care and self-management whenever possible, assisting individuals in determining their healthcare requirements and involving family members and guardians to maximise their capacity to care for themselves. When a patient has a disability, nurses must be able to collaborate with service users and others to obtain the necessary information to make reasonable adjustments that promote optimal health and enable equal access to services.