The following are characteristics of Autism EXCEPT :

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder with an onset in early childhood.
According to the DSM-5, symptoms must be present in the 'early developmental period' for a diagnosis of ASD.
While diagnosis can occur later, the onset of the characteristic symptoms does not happen after the age of seven.
Therefore, an onset after seven years of age is the exception and not a characteristic of ASD.

Option B: Repetitive behaviors are a core diagnostic feature of ASD. This includes stereotyped motor movements, insistence on sameness, and highly restricted interests.
Option C: Delayed or atypical language development is a very common and frequently observed characteristic in children with ASD, often being one of the first signs of concern.
Option D: Deficits in social interaction and communication are a fundamental, core criterion for an ASD diagnosis. This includes issues with social-emotional reciprocity and nonverbal communication.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Early identification of ASD characteristics is crucial for nurses to facilitate timely referral for diagnosis and intervention, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents about developmental milestones and the early signs of ASD, such as lack of social smiling, poor eye contact, and not responding to their name.
What if? If a child shows normal development until age 8 and then experiences a significant loss of social and language skills, this would suggest a different condition, such as childhood disintegrative disorder or a regression due to a medical or psychological issue, rather than a typical ASD presentation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question uses the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a true characteristic of Autism.
Recall the core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main domains are deficits in social communication/interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
Evaluate each option against the known criteria for ASD.
Option A discusses the age of onset. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it begins in early childhood.
Options B, C, and D describe repetitive behavior, language delay, and social deficits, which are all well-known characteristics of ASD.
Conclude that an onset after seven years of age is inconsistent with the definition of ASD, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 419-421

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 391-393