Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which statement about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is true?

1. Surgery is the first course of treatment for autism

2. When detected early, the chances of curing it are greater

3. Children normally outgrow it

4. Boys are more often affected than girls

The correct answer is: Boys are more often affected than girls

The statement that boys are more often affected than girls is grounded in extensive research that shows a significant prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among males. Studies suggest that boys are diagnosed with ASD at higher rates than girls, with current estimates indicating that boys are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. This difference has led to ongoing investigations into the reasons for this disparity, which may include genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Understanding this characteristic of ASD is important for recognizing the condition's patterns and ensuring that both boys and girls receive appropriate support and resources tailored to their needs. The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics or current understanding of autism spectrum disorder; for instance, there is currently no surgical treatment for ASD, it is not considered a condition that can be "cured," and many individuals do not outgrow the disorder, though they may learn to manage symptoms effectively over time.