A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has autism spectrum disorder and has difficulty expressing emotions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the child's plan of care?

Choice A reason: Extended play sessions with other children may be overwhelming for a child with autism spectrum disorder, especially if they struggle with social cues and emotional expression. Structured, individualized interventions are more effective in promoting emotional development. Choice B reason: Guided imagery requires abstract thinking and verbal processing, which may be challenging for children with autism. These children often benefit more from concrete, sensory-based interventions that align with their cognitive and communication styles. Choice C reason: Progressive muscle relaxation can be helpful for anxiety but may not directly address emotional expression. It also requires understanding and following multi-step instructions, which may be difficult depending on the child’s developmental level. Choice D reason: Music therapy is evidence-based and effective in helping children with autism express emotions, improve communication, and engage socially. It leverages auditory and sensory pathways to facilitate emotional processing in a non-verbal, engaging format.