Question

question 16

one of the earliest signs that a child has autism is:

a excessive fear of noises
b bumping into walls or falling
c washing and wringing the hands constantly
d resistance to being held or cuddled

Explanation:

Analyze the question

The question asks for one of the earliest signs that a child has autism.

Evaluate the options

• A. Excessive fear of noises: While sensory sensitivities (including hyperreactivity to sounds) are common in individuals with autism, they are typically identified later as the child interacts more with their environment, rather than being one of the earliest primary social-communication indicators.
• B. Bumping into walls or falling: This relates to gross motor coordination or balance issues, which are not primary diagnostic criteria or the earliest specific signs of autism.
• C. Washing and wringing the hands constantly: This is a stereotypic hand movement often associated with Rett syndrome rather than being a primary early sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• D. Resistance to being held or cuddled: This reflects an early disruption in social attachment, reciprocal social interaction, and sensory processing. Infants who later receive an autism diagnosis often show a lack of attachment behaviors, such as resisting physical comfort, cuddling, or holding, which can be observed in early infancy.

Connect to early development

Using the Early Childhood Development knowledge point, we look at early social-emotional milestones. A key early indicator of atypical development in autism is a disruption in primary social bonding and physical reciprocity, such as resisting being held or cuddled.

Answer:

• (A) Excessive fear of noises
• (B) Bumping into walls or falling
• (C) Washing and wringing the hands constantly
• (D) Resistance to being held or cuddled (Correct answer)