What do we include as part of our concussion/head injury prevention teaching to children and parents:

A) Places the infant in a side-lying position:

Positioning is important in the care of an infant with myelomeningocele. The infant is usually placed in a prone (on the abdomen) position to prevent pressure on the sac and protect the neural tissue. Placing the infant in a side-lying position may not provide the needed protection.

B) Maintains a dry dressing over the sac:

The sac should be kept moist with a sterile, non-adherent dressing moistened with saline to prevent drying and cracking, which could lead to infection.

C) Performs range of motion on the infant's hips:

Infants with myelomeningocele often have flaccid paralysis below the lesion, and excessive manipulation of the lower limbs could cause injury.

D) Takes an axillary temperature:

Rectal temperatures should never be taken, as they can cause mucosal damage or irritate the exposed spinal cord, leading to complications like meningitis. The axillary route is the safest method for temperature assessment.

a. Allow for adjustment of rules to correlate with the child's behavior: While flexibility can be important, allowing rules to be adjusted based on behavior can lead to inconsistency and confusion for the child. Consistent rules and expectations are crucial for children with ASD, as they thrive on predictability and structure.

b. Allow for imaginative play with peers without supervision: Children with ASD may have difficulties with social interactions and imaginative play. Supervision is important to ensure that play is safe, appropriate, and supportive of social skill development. Unsupervised play might not be beneficial if it leads to misunderstandings or conflicts.

c. Provide a flexible schedule that adjusts to the child's interests: Children with ASD generally benefit from a structured and predictable schedule rather than a flexible one that changes based on their interests. Predictability helps them feel secure and reduces anxiety. A flexible schedule could lead to increased stress and difficulty in transitioning between activities.

d. Establish a reward system for positive behavior: A reward system is an effective strategy for encouraging positive behavior in children with ASD. Reinforcement of desired behaviors helps to build and maintain new skills and can provide motivation. This approach aligns well with behavioral interventions commonly used with children on the autism spectrum.