DSM-V Changes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Implications for Diagnosis, Management, and Care Coordination for Children With ASDs.

The purpose of this article is to highlight issues about diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in all settings, along with care coordination for all children with ASDs. The article outlines differences between the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, revised (DSM-IV-TR) and the newer version (DSM-V) for ASDs. These changes may limit the eligibility of some children for services in school, leading to poorer social/academic outcomes, lower rates of employment, and decreased assistance in eventual independent living.

Family adjustment across cultural groups in autistic spectrum disorders.

This pilot ethnomethodological study examined perceptions of parents/caregivers of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders concerning actions, norms, understandings, and assumptions related to adjustment to this chronic illness. The sample included 14 caregivers (75% Hispanic of various ethnic groups). Maximum variation sampling was used to compare participants on variables that were inductively derived via constant comparative methods of analysis.

Medical advice and diabetes self-management reported by Mexican-American, Black- and White-non-Hispanic adults across the United States.

Background: Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, particularly among minorities, and if improperly managed can lead to medical complications and death. Healthcare providers play vital roles in communicating standards of care, which include guidance on diabetes self-management. The background of the client may play a role in the patient-provider communication process.

Outcomes of an asthma program: Healthy Children, Healthy Homes.

Purpose: To test the effects of the Healthy Children Healthy Homes program on community perception of susceptibility and severity of asthma, knowledge of common household asthma triggers, misconceptions about asthma, and reported behaviors to control asthma triggers.

Design: Quasi experimental study with pre-post survey conducted in English and Spanish.

Location: Catholic elementary school community in northern Miami, Florida.

The experience of being an Asthma Amigo in a program to decrease asthma episodes in Hispanic children.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness among Latino children in urban areas. It is especially problematic for schools serving low-income and minority populations. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of being an Asthma Amigo, a community-based educator who delivered asthma education to a Hispanic community in a train-the-trainer educational model.

The role of the nurse practitioner in an individualized education plan and coordination of care for the child with Asperger's syndrome.

The purpose of this article is to describe the role nurse practitioners can play in the diagnosis, early intervention, and coordination of care for children with Asperger's Syndrome and their families. The article outlines strategies for how nurse practitioners in both school and primary care settings can use the Individualized Educational Plan as a mechanism where they may join an interdisciplinary team of professionals and parents. Nurse practitioners can assist parents, children, and school personnel in planning, intervening, and coordinating services for these families and their children, who are at risk for academic failure and social isolation.

Cross-cultural beliefs, ceremonies, and rituals surrounding death of a loved one.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe practices surrounding death of a loved one by European, Asian, Caribbean, Central American, and South American families living in the United States. A focus group with 14 masters nursing students from a wide variety of cultural and religious backgrounds was conducted to gain a better understanding of the beliefs, ceremonies, and rituals surrounding death. Many commonalties were found across cultures and religions.

Child care use by low-income single mothers of preschoolers born preterm versus those of preschoolers born full term.

This study describes prewelfare reform child care use by 64 primarily low-income single mothers (65.6% African American) with preschoolers (half born preterm). Forty percent used child care for more than 75% of their children's lives, 20% did when not employed.