Question

A child has a history of engaging in driven, repetitive, nonfunctional behaviors, such as body rocking and self-hitting. These symptoms are most characteristic of?

1) autistic disorder
2) chronic motor tic disorder
3) stereotypic movement disorder
4) obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer 1

The child's behaviors of repetitive nonfunctional motions like body rocking and self-hitting, along with impaired social skills, suggest characteristics of Autistic Disorder within the Autism Spectrum Disorder group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described, such as engaging in driven, repetitive, nonfunctional behaviors (body rocking and self-hitting), are most characteristic of Autistic Disorder, which is part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) group. Children with autism demonstrate impaired social interaction, have difficulties in making and maintaining eye contact, reading social cues, and can also show a strict adherence to certain rituals and a preoccupation with specific subjects. These repetitive motor behaviors and additional signs, such as potential language abnormalities, highlight the nature of ASD as a neurodevelopmental disorder.