Background:

The number of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased over the years. When encountering the health care system children with ASD needs special treatment and therefore there is a need for more knowledge of how these children can be treated in an optimal way.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to illuminate the encounter between the nurse and the child with ASD.

Method:

The method used was a literature review, with searches performed in the database cinahl and PubMed. Eight articles were reviewed and analyzed according to the method described by Friberg.

Results:

The result is presented by one overall theme; requirement for teamwork, built up from two themes; promote participation and to create trust. In order to promote participation it showed that the child needs to be prepared before the encounter with the healthcare system and the parents assistance is of high importance since it affects the child's ability to participate. Participation is also encouraged by derivation, rewarding and by strengthening the child. Trust is created by continuity where the knowledge and attitude of the nurse is of great importance.

Conclusion:

The literature review showed that there are several requirements for teamwork, in which these children needs to be promoted and where trust is essential for wanting to participate.