Question

the nurse is conducting an assessment of a 7-year-old client. during the assessment, the nurse notes that the child does not maintain eye contact or speak. the nurse suspects an autism spectrum disorder. what additional finding supports the nurse's suspicion?

Answer 1

Additional findings that may support a suspicion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a 7-year-old include repetitive motor behaviors, a preoccupation with certain topics, adherence to rituals, unusual language, and possibly intellectual disability associated with conditions like Fragile X syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting an assessment of a 7-year-old client, additional findings that support the nurse's suspicion of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could include traits such as repetitive motor behaviors like rocking back and forth, a preoccupation with specific subjects, strict adherence to certain rituals, or exhibiting unusual language use.

The presence of intellectual disability, particularly in cases associated with conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, can also support a diagnosis.

Awareness that ASD is a spectrum disorder is crucial; symptoms can range from severe impairments to only mild challenges with social interaction and communication, with some individuals having good-to-excellent language skills and functioning.

ASD affects social skills, making tasks like reading social cues and maintaining eye contact challenging for children with this neurological condition. An assessment for ASD can help determine the appropriate educational and therapeutic strategies to support the child's development effectively.