Infantile autism is characterized by – a) Impaired visionb) Impaired Neurobehavioural developmentc) Impaired folate leveld) A socio–economic hazarde) Parenting
First, I need to recall what infantile autism, now commonly referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in infants, is characterized by. The core features of ASD include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These are neurodevelopmental issues, so I'm thinking the answer might be related to neurobehavioral aspects.
Looking at the options, option b says "Impaired Neurobehavioural development." That seems to align with the core features of ASD. The term "neurobehavioural" covers both neurological and behavioral aspects, which are central to autism. So, option B is likely the correct answer.
Now, let's check the other options to make sure. Option a) Impaired vision. While some children with ASD might have sensory issues, impaired vision isn't a defining characteristic. Autism is primarily a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a sensory or visual one. So a is incorrect.
Option c) Impaired folate level. Folate deficiency can lead to various issues, including neurological problems, but I don't recall it being a hallmark of autism. There might be some studies suggesting a link between folate and autism risk, but it's not a defining characteristic. So c is probably not correct.
Option d) A socio-economic hazard. Socio-economic factors can influence the diagnosis and treatment of autism, but the condition itself isn't a socio-economic hazard. The disorder exists regardless of socio-economic status. So d is incorrect.
Option e) Parenting. Historically, there was a theory that parenting styles caused autism, but this has been debunked. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors, not caused by parenting. So e is definitely incorrect.
Putting this all together, the correct answer is option B. The key point here is that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social behavior, communication, and behavior, which falls under neurobehavioral development. The other options either relate to different aspects or are misconceptions.
**Core Concept**
Infantile autism, now termed *Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)*, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication/interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors. It primarily affects **neurobehavioral development** rather than sensory, metabolic, or socioeconomic factors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
**Option B** correctly identifies impaired neurobehavioral development as a hallmark of ASD. This includes delayed or atypical development in language, social reciprocity, and adaptive behaviors. The disorder originates from altered neural connectivity and synaptic function, particularly in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Early signs include lack of eye contact, delayed speech, and repetitive motor patterns.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Impaired vision is not a defining feature of ASD. While sensory sensitivities (e.g., hypersensitivity to light/sound) may occur, visual impairment is unrelated.
**Option C:** Folate deficiency is not a known cause