Assessment of Nurses' Knowledge toward Alternative Communication Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Autism Centers in Dhi Qar Governorate

Abstract

Background: Alternative communication is a form of communication that can be offered to some people who do not have the ability to speak and helps in developing the child's verbal abilities and the ability to express their feelings, emotions and needs.

Objectives: This study aimed at assesses nurses' knowledge toward alternative communication strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methodology: A descriptive study is conducted for the periods of December 26th 2020 to June 1st 2021. The study is carried out at the Autism Centers in Dhi-Qar Governorate. A non-probability purposive sample selected for (25) nurses working at the Autism centers in Dhi-Qar Governorate. A content validity was achieved through a panel of experts and reliability was achieved through a pilot study. The data collection process uses the self-administrating technique in which the nurse fills the questionnaire form by themselves. Through the descriptive statistic, data were analyzed.

Results: Findings indicate that nurses were unsatisfactory knowledge towards concept of autism spectrum disorder at mean equal 1.64. This results come because low level of nurses. As well as, findings indicate that nurses were poor knowledge towards alternative communication strategies of autism spectrum disorder at mean equal 1.67.

Conclusion: More years of experience in autism centers and training the staff by local officials help raising professionals’ nurses6 Provide the health resources and exploiting young energies of nurses which indeed helps to develop their knowledge.

Recommendations: Nurse's training session on how to use alternative communication strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder in autism centers in Dhi Qar Governorate.