Mental health and dementiaQuestion 1539 of 1700

What may cause a person with autism to fidget, call out, or repeat movements?

  1. A quiet room with soft light and one calm person
  2. A familiar friend who talks in a low voice
  3. Bright lights, loud noise, strong smells, or crowds
  4. A short walk in a calm, empty hallway
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Correct answer: Bright lights, loud noise, strong smells, or crowds

Too much sensory input can overwhelm a person with autism. Others may then see the behavior as outside the usual social norm.

Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 10.3: Caring for Clients With Developmental Disorders

Practice mental health and dementia

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026