Assessing and Promoting Independence in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of life, independence, and employment outcomes are poor for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (YA-ASD). This study explored the desires and experiences of YA-ASD as they transition into adulthood. METHODS: Fifteen YA-ASD, age 18 to 25 years, were recruited from autism spectrum disorder centers, participant registries, and social media advertising. Interested individuals completed a survey and individual interview. Semistructured interview guides included questions about transition experiences, current independence, and future goals. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The desire of young adults with autism spectrum disorder for independence was shown within 4 themes. YA-ASD described their vision of adulthood along with their need for improved skills in driving, living independently, and decision-making. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate YA-ASD desire to be independent but lack the specific support services to get there.

Self-determination in young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

This study examined rates of and contributing factors to self-determination among young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers of young adults with autism spectrum disorder, 16-25 years, from five Autism Treatment Network sites completed surveys about their young adults' transition experiences including the American Institutes for Research Self-Determination measure. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Caregivers (n = 479) reported their young adults with autism spectrum disorder as having moderate overall self-determination (x = 38; standard deviation = 9.04) with low capacity (x = 15.3; standard deviation = 5.67) and high opportunities at home (x = 23.1; standard deviation = 4.59). Young adults with autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability or severe autism spectrum disorder symptomology experience significant disparities in overall self-determination compared to those without intellectual disability and less frequent symptom expression and severity. Barring severity indicators, there were few significant predictors of self-determination. Findings show a breakdown in self-determination skill-building. Young adults with autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability or severe symptomology experienced significant disparities in self-determination. These findings show that current promotion of self-determination is not meeting the needs of young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Future interventions must identify what supports young adults with autism spectrum disorder need to capitalize on these opportunities to be independent and exert autonomy in their daily lives.

The effect of shoulder immobilization on balance in community-dwelling older adults.

PURPOSE: Shoulder immobilization devices are commonly used in the treatment of older adults following proximal humeral fractures. Immobilization of the shoulder may have a negative effect on balance, which could increase risk for falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of shoulder immobilization on balance in the community-dwelling older adult population as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). METHODS: Fifty-three subjects (14 men and 39 women, mean age = 75.4 years) participated in the study. The BBS was administered twice to each participant. Subjects were tested once while wearing a shoulder immobilizer and once without a shoulder immobilizer. The immobilizer positioned the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and anchored the arm to the trunk. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was used to evaluate differences in BBS scores. A 2-tailed test was performed with a set at .05. RESULTS: Mean (SD) BBS scores were 53 (4.0) without the immobilizer and 52 (4.7) with the immobilizer. BBS change scores (score with immobilizer minus score without immobilizer) ranged from +1 to -7, with a mean change score of -1.02. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test indicated a significant difference between paired observations (negative ranks = 29, positive ranks = 6, P < .0001). Balance was impaired (significantly lower BBS scores) when subjects wore the device compared with the testing sessions without the device. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that immobilizing the shoulder may have a negative effect on balance as measured by the BBS. If shoulder immobilization places an individual at greater risk for falls, early balance screening by a physical therapist to determine the appropriateness of a fall prevention program may be indicated.

Does certification status of oncology nurses make a difference in patient outcomes?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To test hypotheses that patients cared for by Oncology Certified Nurses (OCNs(r)) have superior outcomes compared to those cared for by noncertified nurses. DESIGN: Descriptive ex post facto. SETTING: A homecare agency in the midwestern United States. SAMPLE: 20 nurses (7 certified and 13 noncertified) and charts for 181 of their patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Symptom management (i.e., pain and fatigue), adverse events (e.g., infection and decubitus ulcers), and episodic care utilization (e.g., visits to care facilities, admissions to care facilities, unscheduled home visits). FINDINGS: Contrary to hypotheses, the two groups did not differ with respect to assessment of pain at admission, number of pain assessments subsequent to admission, assessment of fatigue at admission, number of unplanned visits to care facilities, admissions to care facilities, and number of unscheduled home visits. As hypothesized, the OCNs(r) documented a higher number of postadmission fatigue assessments (p less than 0.05). Contrary to hypotheses, patients of OCNs(r) had a greater number of infections and fewer documented instances of patient teaching regarding infection. CONCLUSIONS: Little support was found for the hypothesis that nursing care by OCNs(r) results in superior patient outcomes in comparison to care by noncertified nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Further research is needed to examine the dimensions of clinical practice that may demonstrate the benefits of care by OCNs(r).