The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a newly diagnosed Growth Hormone Deficiency. From the answers below, what should she include in her teaching

Reflexes play a crucial role in evaluating the neurological status of infants.

Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, the Moro reflex is a normal response in infants. It occurs when an infant is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby responds by extending their arms and legs, followed by a quick contraction. This reflex usually disappears around 4-6 months of age.

Tonic neck reflex (fencer's reflex): This reflex involves turning an infant's head to one side, causing the arm on that side to extend and the opposite arm to flex. It's a normal reflex that typically disappears around 4-6 months of age.

Withdrawal reflex: The withdrawal reflex is a normal response to a stimulus, such as touching a baby's foot with a cold object. The baby will pull their leg away in response to the stimulus.

Symptomatic of decorticate or decerebrate posturing (options A and B):

Decorticate and decerebrate posturing are abnormal postures seen in individuals with severe brain damage or injury. Decorticate posturing involves the arms being flexed and held close to the body, while decerebrate posturing involves the arms being extended and the wrists being pronated. These reflexes are typically indicative of significant neurological dysfunction and are not expected in a 2-month-old infant after a car accident.

Indicators of severe brain damage (option C):

The reflexes described (Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes) are not indicative of severe brain damage in a 2-month-old infant. These reflexes are normal for an infant of this age and are part of their typical neurological development.

Normal findings (option D):

The reflexes described are normal findings in a 2-month-old infant and are expected as part of their developmental milestones.

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.