JPHC CE: Improving the Healthcare Experience Through Improved Communication for Individuals with Autism Across the Spectrum: A Tutorial

0.75 NAPNAP contact hour. This continuing education activity is offered free to NAPNAP Members. For nonmembers, this continuing education activity rate is $10. 
Individuals with autism experience many barriers to receiving high quality healthcare. With 1 in 31 children now being diagnosed with autism, a number that has only been increasing over the last decade, it is imperative to address these barriers. One of the most prevalent barriers is communication. Social communication challenges are a defining characteristic of autism, but there exists a wide spectrum of communication abilities that can be difficult for healthcare providers to understand. This tutorial introduces the differences in informational processing experienced by those with autism with practical guidance on how healthcare providers can individualize their approach to communication when providing patient-centered care. The three levels of autism support are used as a framework, with suggestions specific to each level to help healthcare providers better understand the differences seen in autism and how they can more readily address the needs of each patient. J pediatr Health Care. (2026) 40, 608-616.

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Copyright © 2025 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This continuing education activity is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) as an Agency providing continuing education credit. Individuals who complete this program and earn a 70% or higher score on the post test will be awarded 0.75 NAPNAP contact hour.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, healthcare quality, healthcare providers

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the communication needs and differences for individuals with autism across the spectrum.
2. Discuss the critical need for improved access and quality of healthcare for individuals with autism.
3. Explain the differences in information processing that underlie the communication differences in those with autism.
4. Recommend individualized approaches and tools that a healthcare worker can use to overcome barriers in communication and facilitate a positive healthcare experience for autistic individuals.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.75 Contact hours
Course opens: 
07/01/2026
Course expires: 
08/31/2027
Cost:
$10.00
Rating: 
0

Jessica Wellington, Doctoral Candidate, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Diane L. Williams, Professor and Head of the Department, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 
 

Disclosure: 
The authors declare there is nothing to disclose

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In accordance with standard ethical guidelines, the authors disclose no relationships with businesses or industries that could present a conflict of interest.
 

Correspondence:
Jessica Wellington
201 Nursing Sciences Building
235E College Ave. University Park, PA 16802 

e-mail: [email protected]

 

 

 

Available Credit

  • 0.75 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$10.00
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