Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 189
The therapeutic approach in the care of Armand an autistic child includes the following EXCEPT:
A. Engage in diversionary activities when acting-out.
B. Provide an atmosphere of acceptance.
C. Provide safety measures.
D. Rearrange the environment to activate the child.
Correct Answer: D. Rearrange the environment to activate the child
The child with autistic disorder does not want change. Maintaining a consistent environment is therapeutic. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of rapidly growing disabilities. They are characterized by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, problems in social interactions. These children become distressed when their surrounding environment is changed because their adaptive capabilities are minimal. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.
Option A: Angry outburst can be re-channeling through safe activities. Therapies in the areas of language, speech, social skills development, occupational, and sensory integration may all be used according to the needs of the individual child. Loss of language, skills related to social interaction, and self-care are delirious, and the affected children face ongoing problems in certain areas and require long-term care.
Option B: Acceptance enhances a trusting relationship. Helpful strategies include encouraging families to tell their own stories, thus assisting with emotional processing. The focus should be on strengthening protective factors such as increasing parents’ communication skills, behavioral management, and providing psycho-education for extending parents’ understanding of their child’s condition and developmental challenges.
Option C: Ensure safety from self-destructive behaviors like headbanging and hair-pulling. Other helpful strategies include connecting with others with the same disease, developing an alliance, caring for one’s self, and becoming an advocate. Recommendations for health care providers include understanding the common problems faced by parents, building parent-to-parent connections, and encouraging a good relationship with parents and their children.