A Child Has Been Diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

A child has been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. The distraught mother cries out, "I'm such a terrible mother. What did I do to cause this?" Which nursing response is most appropriate?

A) "Researchers really don't know what causes autistic spectrum disorder, but the relationship between autistic disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome is being explored."
B) "Poor parenting doesn't cause autistic spectrum disorder. Research has shown that abnormalities in brain structure or function are to blame. This is beyond your control."
C) "Research has shown that the mother appears to play a greater role in the development of autistic spectrum disorder than the father."
D) "Lack of early infant bonding with the mother has shown to be a cause of autistic spectrum disorder. Did you breastfeed or bottle-feed?"