The mother of an 11-month-old infant is concerned that the child is developing autism because the child likes to rock on the hands and knees in the crib before going to sleep. What should the nurse respond to this mother's concern?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rocking is hypothesized as being a form of self-stimulation. The child with autism will engage in constant body rocking. Because the child likes to perform body rocking before going to sleep and not constantly, it is more likely being used by the child as a form of self-stimulation. Rocking does not mean that the child is hungry. Rocking is not only seen in autism. The mother did not express concern that the child is banging the head on the crib while rocking so padding the crib might not be appropriate at this time.

The Mother of an 11-Month-Old Infant Is Concerned That the Child