Mental illness in the community does not discriminate. It can impact women, men, young children, adolescents, the elderly, and any nationality. For this discussion, choose one population along with one mental health disorder and describe how the disorder impacts that population as they attempt to be part of the community. Finally, explain one nursing intervention that would assist them to be successful. Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook
Introduction
Mental illness is a prevalent issue affecting individuals across various populations within the community. This paper will focus on the population of young children and the mental health disorder of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The impact of ASD on young children as they attempt to be part of the community is significant, and nursing interventions play a crucial role in assisting them to be successful in their interactions and participation within the community.
Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Young Children in the Community
Young children with ASD face numerous challenges in their attempts to be part of the community. One of the key difficulties they encounter is impairments in social communication and interaction. They often struggle to understand and respond to social cues, making it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships with peers. Children with ASD may have difficulty initiating conversations, comprehending nonverbal communication, and understanding social norms and appropriate behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). As a result, they may face rejection and exclusion from their peers, leading to feelings of isolation and reduced opportunities for socialization and community engagement.
Furthermore, children with ASD may also exhibit repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These repetitive behaviors can be disruptive and cause challenges when attempting to engage in community activities. For example, a child with ASD may engage in repetitive movements or display intense fixations on specific objects or interests. These behaviors can be distracting to others and may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, further isolating the child from social interactions within the community (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The impact of ASD on young children extends beyond social difficulties. They may also experience sensory sensitivities, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input, which can significantly impact their participation in community activities. For instance, loud noises, crowded spaces, or specific textures may be overwhelming for children with ASD, leading to discomfort and anxiety that may hinder their ability to engage in community events (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Nursing Interventions to Support Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nurses play a vital role in supporting young children with ASD to be successful members of the community. One nursing intervention that can assist these children is the implementation of social skills training programs. These programs aim to enhance the social communication and interaction abilities of children with ASD through structured and systematic interventions. Social skills training involves teaching children specific social skills, such as initiating conversations, maintaining eye contact, and reading social cues (MacLeod, 2014). By acquiring these skills, children with ASD can improve their social interactions, form relationships with their peers, and effectively participate in community activities.
Social skills training programs can be delivered in various settings, including schools, community centers, or clinical settings. These programs typically utilize a combination of individual and group sessions, providing children with both individualized attention and opportunities for interaction with their peers. The structured nature of social skills training programs allows for repetitive practice of social skills in different contexts, helping children with ASD generalize these skills to real-life situations in the community (MacLeod, 2014). Additionally, these programs often involve the active involvement of parents or caregivers, who can play an essential role in reinforcing and supporting the development of social skills at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of autism spectrum disorder on young children attempting to be part of the community is significant. The impairments in social communication and interaction, along with the presence of repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities, pose challenges for their inclusion and participation. However, nursing interventions, such as social skills training programs, can greatly assist young children with ASD in their efforts to be successful in their interactions and engagement within the community. These interventions offer structured and systematic approaches to enhance social skills, enabling children with ASD to form relationships, navigate social interactions, and participate in community activities effectively. Supporting the community integration of young children with ASD is crucial to promote their overall well-being and quality of life.