Which of the following exemplifies a symptom of autism spectrum disorder?
A. Gemma is submissive and physically clings to the people around her.
B. Gemma exhibits deficits in social interaction by not initiating conversations with other children, and she turns her head away when spoken to.
C. Gemma is quick to anger and is incapable of dealing with a situation in which she is not the center of attention.
D. Gemma is inattentive in the classroom and often disruptive to other students’ learning. She can’t sit still and has trouble controlling her impulses.
Answer:
The correct answer is option B. Gemma exhibits deficits in social interaction by not initiating conversations with other children, and she turns her head away when spoken to.
This answer aligns with common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which include difficulties with social communication and interaction, such as avoiding eye contact, not initiating conversations, and struggling with typical social engagement.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
Option A: Gemma is submissive and physically clings to the people around her.
While some children with autism may have attachment behaviors, excessive clinging and submissiveness are more commonly associated with separation anxiety disorder or other attachment-related issues, rather than autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Option C: Gemma is quick to anger and is incapable of dealing with a situation in which she is not the center of attention.
This behavior is more characteristic of narcissistic traits or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), not ASD.
Option D: Gemma is inattentive in the classroom and often disruptive to other students’ learning. She can’t sit still and has trouble controlling her impulses.
This description aligns more with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rather than ASD. While some individuals with autism may also have ADHD, the symptoms described here—impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity—are core traits of ADHD, not autism specifically.
