De kennis van praktijk-ondersteuners (POH/GGZ) over ASS bij meisjes/vrouwen

The general practitioner (GP) in the Netherlands is often the gatekeeper for individuals with autism spectrum disorder-related complaints. In recent years, GPs have made greater use of the expertise of mental health nurse practitioners. This study examined the extent of knowledge of mental health nurse practitioners about ASD in girls and women and their preferences for more information or education about the topic. The results of seven semi-structured interviews with mental health nurse practitioners indicate that the level of knowledge varied, but that in general knowledge of ASD and social communication, camouflaging techniques and intelligence level corresponds with what is known from literature. Less was known about the relationship between ASD and comorbid problems and the extent to which girls and women with ASD have special interests and can make eye contact. Information provision should therefore focus on these issues. This can be done through webinars, authorities in the field of ASD and articles and books, in which short information overviews were preferred.