When assessing a 2-year-old child with suspected autism spectrum disorder, the nurse should be particularly alert for:

The correct answer is B: failure to develop interpersonal skills. This is because one of the hallmark signs of autism spectrum disorder in young children is difficulty in developing and maintaining social interactions and relationships. Children with autism may struggle with basic social skills such as making eye contact, sharing emotions, and engaging in reciprocal play. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to be indicative of autism spectrum disorder in a 2-year-old. Hyperactivity and attention deficits could be seen in conditions like ADHD, high levels of anxiety when separated from the mother could be seen in separation anxiety disorder, and a history of disobedience and destructive acts could be seen in conduct disorder.