If an infant shows predominance of autonomic instability, which component is being emphasized?

If an infant shows predominance of autonomic instability, which component is being emphasized?

• A. Autonomic/physiologic
• B. Motor Behavior
• C. Behavioral State
• D. Attention/interaction

Answer: (A)

The main concept is recognizing which neurobehavioral domain reflects regulation of the body's automatic functions. Autonomic/physiologic functioning covers regulation of breath, heart rate, color, temperature, and other body processes. If an infant shows predominance of autonomic instability, it means these physiologic regulatory systems are the primary area of concern, so that domain is being emphasized. The other domains concern different aspects—motor behavior maps to movement and tone, behavioral state to arousal and sleep-wake patterns, and attention/interaction to social engagement and responsiveness. Thus autonomic instability points to the autonomic/physiologic component.

The main concept is recognizing which neurobehavioral domain reflects regulation of the body's automatic functions. Autonomic/physiologic functioning covers regulation of breath, heart rate, color, temperature, and other body processes. If an infant shows predominance of autonomic instability, it means these physiologic regulatory systems are the primary area of concern, so that domain is being emphasized. The other domains concern different aspects—motor behavior maps to movement and tone, behavioral state to arousal and sleep-wake patterns, and attention/interaction to social engagement and responsiveness. Thus autonomic instability points to the autonomic/physiologic component.