Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence related questions and content

The nurse is counseling a family whose child has autism. When describing this condition, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?

  • A. Connection to ineffective parental practices
  • B. Detection after the child enters school
  • C. Onset before child is 2.5 years old
  • D. Girls are more frequently affected than boys
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by symptoms that typically appear before the age of 3, often by 2.5 years, including challenges in social interaction and communication. Option A is incorrect, as autism is not caused by parenting practices but is neurodevelopmental. Option B is misleading, as detection often occurs before school age. Option D is false, as boys are more frequently affected than girls.