A nurse is planning care for a school-aged child who has autism spectrum disorder and is nonverbal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Tranquilizing medications are not first-line for frustration in autism. They carry risks like sedation or extrapyramidal symptoms and are used only for severe aggression. Behavioral interventions targeting social skills are preferred, as autism involves social communication deficits, not primarily mood dysregulation. Choice B reason: Positive reinforcement for eye contact encourages social engagement in autism, addressing core deficits in nonverbal communication. This behavioral strategy leverages operant conditioning, promoting skill development by rewarding desired behaviors, aligning with evidence-based practices for improving social interaction in nonverbal children. Choice C reason: Haloperidol, an antipsychotic, is not routinely indicated for autism unless severe behavioral issues persist. It risks side effects like dystonia and is not first-line, as behavioral interventions are prioritized to address autism’s neurodevelopmental challenges without pharmacological risks. Choice D reason: Implosion therapy, used for phobias, is inappropriate for autism, as it involves intense exposure to fears, which can overwhelm nonverbal children with sensory sensitivities. Autism requires tailored behavioral interventions, not exposure-based therapies, making this unsuitable for the care plan.