Autism is described as a neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder, characterized by symptoms that can present in a variety: Nursing Assignment, TCD, Ireland

Autism is described as a neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder, characterized by symptoms that can present in a variety of different combinations ranging from mild to severe. In 2013, the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) introduced the overarching term autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) as a diagnostic term for behaviors exhibited in the domains of social communication and restrictive repetitive behaviors. Some of the symptoms and characteristics experienced by people with autistic spectrum disorder include difficulty interpreting social cues, limited communication ability, hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to sensations, severe anxiety, a need for routine, and difficulty with interpreting complex concepts (Haroon, 2019). As symptoms are often more pronounced during childhood, the health care system can be perceived as an unknown threatening environment for children with ASD.