CNM CNM Special Needs & Inclusive Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how might a CNM encounter it?
- A therapy used with children with ASD and other developmental conditions that uses reinforcement to teach skills; CNMs may be asked to implement home-based ABA strategies (Correct answer)
- A nutritional assessment tool used in pediatric care planning
- A legal framework governing children's educational rights
- A play therapy approach using unstructured creative expression
Correct answer: A therapy used with children with ASD and other developmental conditions that uses reinforcement to teach skills; CNMs may be asked to implement home-based ABA strategies
ABA is a widely used evidence-based therapy for ASD; home generalisation of ABA strategies by caregivers like CNMs is a standard component of treatment.
Question 2: A child in care has a documented peanut allergy with a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). The CNM must:
- Know the location of the EpiPen, how to administer it, and have an emergency action plan and know when to call 911 (Correct answer)
- Keep the EpiPen locked away and only use it if the parent is present
- Administer the EpiPen at the first sign of any food-related discomfort
- Avoid all food activities to ensure the EpiPen is never needed
Correct answer: Know the location of the EpiPen, how to administer it, and have an emergency action plan and know when to call 911
Proper EpiPen preparedness — knowing location, administration technique, and when 911 is required — is a critical safety competency for CNMs managing allergy emergencies.
Question 3: What is 'person-first language' and why does it matter in special needs care?
- Language that identifies the person before the disability (e.g., 'child with autism' rather than 'autistic child') to affirm the person's full humanity (Correct answer)
- Language adapted for children who are learning to speak
- A communication strategy used exclusively in medical settings
- Sign language interpretation used for children with hearing impairments
Correct answer: Language that identifies the person before the disability (e.g., 'child with autism' rather than 'autistic child') to affirm the person's full humanity
Person-first language reflects a philosophy of dignity and respect by not defining individuals by their disability.
Question 4: A child with Down syndrome is in the CNM's care. Which approach best supports the child's development?
- Follow therapist-recommended activities, use clear and consistent communication, celebrate all progress, and have high but realistic expectations (Correct answer)
- Limit stimulation to prevent overstimulation and anxiety
- Focus exclusively on independent living skills rather than academic or social activities
- Treat the child identically to neurotypical children without any accommodations
Correct answer: Follow therapist-recommended activities, use clear and consistent communication, celebrate all progress, and have high but realistic expectations
Children with Down syndrome benefit from high expectations supported by appropriate accommodations and consistency with professional therapeutic goals.
Question 5: What is a visual schedule and why is it effective for children with developmental differences?
- A sequence of pictures or symbols representing the day's routine; it reduces anxiety by making abstract time concepts concrete and predictable (Correct answer)
- A printed daily menu posted in the kitchen for meal planning purposes
- A behavioral tracking chart used to record incidents for therapists
- A visual aid used only in school settings for group instruction
Correct answer: A sequence of pictures or symbols representing the day's routine; it reduces anxiety by making abstract time concepts concrete and predictable
Visual schedules support children with autism, ADHD, and other conditions by making sequential time information accessible in a concrete, visual format.
Question 6: A child with a speech delay is in care. A CNM can best support language development by:
- Narrating daily activities, expanding on the child's attempts to communicate, reading aloud regularly, and following speech therapist guidance (Correct answer)
- Refraining from speaking to the child to avoid creating frustration
- Correcting all speech errors immediately to build correct patterns
- Waiting for the child to initiate all verbal communication before responding
Correct answer: Narrating daily activities, expanding on the child's attempts to communicate, reading aloud regularly, and following speech therapist guidance
Rich language input through narration and expansion, combined with professional guidance, provides the most supportive environment for a child with a speech delay.
CNM CNM Special Needs & Inclusive Care 2
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how might a CNM encounter it?