Source
Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA. julie_schnur@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with Asperger syndrome.
DATA SOURCES:
Review of published literature on and diagnostic criteria of the condition.
CONCLUSIONS:
Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder or an autism spectrum disorder that is thought to have an incidence higher than that of autism. Asperger syndrome is different from autism, with a lack of delayed language as the most distinct difference between Asperger syndrome and autism.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
Because of the importance of early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for outcome improvement, screening at all well-child visits from infancy on is of utmost importance to primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. With early diagnosis, timely intervention is possible, which is proven to show improvement in outcomes.