The nurse is discussing the care of a child who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The nurse is explaining to the father that the child's teacher should be made aware of some of the behaviors that the parents have observed

Question

Which of the following behaviors observed will the nurse instruct the parents to disclose to the teacher? 1. Depression that results from feelings of inadequacy
2. Flexibility and ability to contribute to learning
3. An episode of self-mutilation
4. Tendency to be hypoactive

Answer 1

3. An episode of self-mutilation

Rationale:
Some children with a spectrum disorder have many associated behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, temper tantrums, and self-injurious behaviors such as head banging. This is important and relevant to discuss with the child's teacher, who is a member of the treatment team. Problems with socialization and communication difficulties are also common, evidenced by deficits in spontaneous, imaginative play. These children typically have a restricted, repetitive repertoire of interests or behaviors and, therefore, will not become depressed due to perceiving themselves as inadequate. These children will have difficulty adapting to change, so they will have great difficulty, if able at all, to be flexible or contribute to their learning. The child's tendency would be toward hyperactivity rather than hypoactivity.