Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What aspect of development is affected by autism in children?

1. Only physical development

2. Only cognitive development

3. Social and communication development

4. Only emotional development

The correct answer is: Social and communication development

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly affects social and communication development in children. One of the hallmark characteristics of autism is difficulty with social interactions and communication. Children with autism may struggle to understand social cues, engage in reciprocal play, and develop language skills effectively. These challenges can lead to difficulties in forming relationships, interpreting social information, and expressing themselves verbally or non-verbally. Social skills, such as maintaining eye contact, understanding body language, and participating in conversations, are often impacted. Communication deficits can manifest as delayed speech, limited use of language, or atypical patterns of communication. While ASD can have some influence on emotional and cognitive development, the primary and most recognized aspect it impacts is social and communication development. Understanding this can help caregivers and healthcare professionals target interventions that support children in developing these essential skills.