ìThis book helps move healthcare forward by recognizing the range of issues across the lifespan that people with ASD may face. . . [and] brings together a wealth of expertise with information and strategies across the lifespan.îFrom the Foreword by Catherine Rice, PhDNational Center on Birth Defects and Developmental DisabilitiesCenter for Disease Control and PreventionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing health problem and nearly all nurses are likely to care for individuals with ASD. Designed as a textbook and a reference, this volume prepares nurses to recognize the unique challenges of providing evidence-based health care that meets the special needs of ASD patients across the lifespan and in multiple practice settings. Chapters include setting-specific case studies followed by consistently formatted information about key clinical issues, clinical assessment, and best practice nursing plans of care. The book is organized on a social model of disability with a focus on the environmental, cultural, and economic barriers encountered by people with ASD. It highlights the significant role played by nurses in the treatment of ASD patients and helps nurses integrate the specialized information about ASD into their clinical practice. Each section of the book reflects a different life stage and is organized to include learning objectives and developmental needs at the beginning of a section, with key points, a guide to clinical problem solving, and thought-provoking review questions at the end. Key Features: Provides evidence-based information for nurses about the special treatment needs of individuals with ASD Explains how functional deficits of people with ASD complicate health care delivery and how nurses can use this knowledge to provide quality care Addresses clinical issues across the lifespan and in multiple settings through case studies that illustrate best practice nursing care for a variety of problems Ideal for continuing education programs, post-masterís certificate programs, and school nurse certification programs