Nursing must reshape care around neurodivergent patients, study argues
A new paper calls for nursing education and practice to fundamentally embrace neurodiversity—treating autism and ADHD not as deficits but as different neurotypes requiring tailored care. As diagnoses rise and healthcare systems face pressure to improve outcomes, integrating neurodiversity principles into nursing theory could reshape patient satisfaction, clinical effectiveness, and institutional liability.
Originaltitel: The neurodiversity paradigm and the fundamentals of nursing
In this article, the author argues that the neurodiversity paradigm must be integrated into nursing care. Neurodivergent groups, such as autistic and ADHD people (which this article focuses on), are prevalent worldwide, with diagnoses steadily increasing as societal awareness and understanding continue to grow. Neurodivergent patients may have needs that differ from the majority, making it essential for nurses to provide care that accommodates these differences. To achieve this, the neurodiversity paradigm must first be integrated into the theoretical foundation of nursing. This article offers a new perspective on the human being in nursing and emphasises its importance for clinical practice.