Question

The parents of a 2-year-old boy are meeting with the pediatrician today because the mother is concerned that in play group her son does not seem to be "acting like" the other children his age. When asked to describe her concerns the mother states that he uses very few words, he likes to play alone with his trains, and he startles easily. Based on these concerns, the pediatrician refers the family for further testing, suspecting the child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

A. The parents of the child say to the nurse, "We think he got autism from his immunizations." How does the nurse respond?

B. What are the common symptoms and manifestations that are red flags for ASD?

Answer 1

ANSWER

     A. Nurse should explain to the parents of the child that

                        * Autism is a developmental disorder and it is caused by both genetic

                          and environmental factors and if the parents carries one or more genes

                          which cause autism it may get passed to the child.

                        * Scientists and other medical researchers already done investigations to

                           findout any connection between immunization( eg;MMRvaccine) and

                           autism but their is no evidence that immunization make autistic changes

                           in childern.

                         * So immunization is not the right reason for autistic changes in your child.

   B.Common symptoms and manifestations of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).

                         * Continous repetition of words and actions.

                         * Inappropiate social interaction.

                         * Compulsive behaviour.

                         * Anxiety.

                         * Impulsive behaviour.

                         * Sensitivity to sound,light and touch.

                         * Fail to understand others emotion.

                         * Speech problems like delay in speech.

                         * Aggressive behaviours to self and others.