A Child Has Been Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

question 22

Multiple Choice

A child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.The distraught mother cries out,"I'm such a terrible mother.What did I do to cause this?" Which nursing reply is most appropriate?

• A) "Researchers really don't know what causes autistic disorder, but the relationship between autistic disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome is being explored."
• B) "Poor parenting doesn't cause autism. Research has shown that abnormalities in brain structure and/or function are to blame. This is beyond your control."
• C) "Research has shown that the mother appears to play a greater role in the development of this disorder than the father."
• D) "Lack of early infant bonding with the mother has shown to be a cause of autistic disorder. Did you breastfeed or bottle-feed?"