The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old boy. The parents are concerned that he is exhibiting signs of cognitive delays. Which statement by the parents would lead the nurse to suspect autism spectrum disorder rather than possible learning disability?
A)
"He is not speaking in complete sentences."
B)
"We can understand a lot of what he says, but no one else can."
C)
"He seems to be speaking words less and less frequently."
D)
"He is unable to sit still for a short story."

He seems to be speaking less words and less frequently.

Explanation:

The statement like speaking less frequently and less frequent words states that the child is more likely to suffer from autism compared to that of the cognitive behavior.

Not speaking in the complete sentences, others not being able to the understand the speaking of the child that how is he speaking, why is he speaking less are some of the smaller signs that points towards autism.

The loss to previously acquired skills is also stated as learning points towards the autism but not learning disability or cognitive development.