NURSING CARE IN THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN WITH ASD

Abstract

Hospitalization of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges due to their sensory, communication, and behavioral particularities, which may intensify anxiety, resistance to procedures, and family stress. Traditional hospital environments, when not adapted, can worsen sensory overload and hinder care, reinforcing the need for specific nursing strategies and humanized practices. Understanding how nurses provide welcoming and safe assistance to this population is essential, especially considering the persistent lack of professional preparedness in many health institutions. The objective of this study is to analyze how nurses welcome and care for children with ASD in hospital settings. The methodology used was a narrative literature review based on Ministry of Health guidelines, clinical protocols, and scientific articles selected from databases such as SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed, prioritizing national and international publications from the last ten years. The analysis shows that interventions such as environmental adjustments, alternative communication strategies, predictable routines, assistive technologies, and continuous professional training significantly reduce stress, improve cooperation, and strengthen care safety. The literature also highlights the central role of family involvement in achieving effective and humanized care. In conclusion, nursing care for children with ASD requires technical preparation, sensitivity, and specific protocols that ensure inclusive, individualized, and humanized assistance aligned with the unique needs of this population.