A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Spinning a toy repetitively: Repetitive behaviors, such as spinning objects or repetitive movements, are common in children with ASD. These behaviors often serve as self-stimulatory or soothing activities and may be used as a way to cope with sensory stimulation or to seek sensory input.

B. Consistent limit testing: While limit testing can occur in children with ASD, it is not a specific hallmark of the disorder. Limit testing is more commonly associated with typical developmental behavior or oppositional defiant disorder rather than ASD.

C. Ritualistic behavior: Children with ASD often engage in ritualistic or repetitive behaviors, such as adhering to strict routines or rituals, having specific preferences for how objects are arranged, or engaging in repetitive movements or actions. These behaviors can provide a sense of predictability and control in their environment.

D. Short attention span: Many children with ASD have difficulty sustaining attention and may exhibit a short attention span, particularly in tasks that do not align with their specific interests or preferences. However, attention span can vary widely among children with ASD, and some may have exceptional focus on particular activities or topics of interest.

E. Delayed language development: Delayed language development is a common characteristic of ASD. Some children with ASD may experience delays in acquiring spoken language skills, exhibit echolalia (repetition of words or phrases), or have difficulty with expressive and receptive language. However, it's important to note that language development can vary significantly among individuals with ASD, and some may have average or even advanced language skills.

A. Looseness of association: Looseness of association refers to a thought disorder characterized by disorganized thinking and lack of logical connections between thoughts. It typically presents as disjointed or fragmented speech patterns, rather than misinterpreting social cues or actions of others.

B. Ideas of reference: Ideas of reference are a characteristic feature of schizophrenia involving the belief that external events, objects, or actions have special significance specifically directed at oneself. In this scenario, the client's belief that others laughing at a joke is directed towards them is an example of ideas of reference.

C. Magical thinking: Magical thinking involves the belief that one's thoughts, actions, or words can influence external events or outcomes. It is often associated with superstitions and rituals. While magical thinking can occur in schizophrenia, it is not specifically demonstrated in this scenario.

D. Delusions of grandeur: Delusions of grandeur involve false beliefs of one's own importance, power, or identity. While delusions of grandeur are a symptom of schizophrenia, they are not evident in this scenario, as the client's reaction is more related to misinterpretation of social cues rather than an exaggerated sense of self-importance.