What should a nurse do if a client with ASD expresses feelings of self-harm?

When a client with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) expresses feelings of self-harm, the most appropriate action for a nurse is to assess the client for safety and discuss their feelings. This approach is critical because it helps in several ways.

First, assessing for safety involves evaluating the immediate risk of self-harm, which is essential in ensuring the client's well-being. This includes directly asking about any thoughts of self-harming behavior, plans to act on these thoughts, and access to means of self-harm. Safety is a top priority in mental health care, particularly when a patient is in distress and expresses self-harm ideation.

Second, discussing feelings allows the client to express their emotions and thoughts in a supportive environment. For individuals with ASD, who may struggle with emotional regulation and communication, facilitating discussions about feelings can lead to a better understanding of their emotional state. It also helps to validate their feelings and reinforces that it is acceptable to express such emotions rather than suppress them.

Engaging in this way demonstrates empathy and allows the nurse to build rapport with the client, which is crucial for effective therapeutic communication. Specifically for those with ASD, this supportive interaction can encourage the client to articulate their struggles, which may ultimately lead to intervention strategies that can address