Question

A nurse is educating the parent of a child who has a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following manifestations of this disorder should the nurse include in the teaching

a.Fear of abandonmentFear of abandonment is a manifestation of separation anxiety disorder rather than autism spectrum disorder.
b.Motor and verbal ticsMotor and verbal tics are a manifestation of Tourette's syndrome rather than autism spectrum disorder.
c.Hostile behaviorHostile behavior is a manifestation of oppositional defiant disorder rather than autism spectrum disorder.
d.Language delayMY ANSWERThe nurse should identify that language delays are a manifestation of autism spectrum disorder.

Answer 1

Language delays are indeed a manifestation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and this symptom should be included in the education provided to parents of a newly diagnosed child. ASD presents a spectrum of symptoms that affect communication, social interactions, and behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse educating the parent of a child with a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should include language delays as a manifestation of the disorder. ASD is characterized by a range of symptoms, including challenges with social skills, difficulty in reading social cues, making eye contact, and feeling empathy, as well as repetitive motor behaviors and strict adherence to rituals. Some individuals with ASD may exhibit exceptional language skills, as it is a spectrum disorder with varying degrees of severity.

Language delay is common in autism, where a child may have trouble with communication and verbal skills. Therefore, the nurse's identification of language delays as a symptom is accurate. It is vital for parents to understand the symptoms of ASD, including language delay, to support their child effectively and seek the appropriate interventions.