Is there a Link Between Premature Birth and Autism?
Autism is a diagnosis cloaked in mystery and confusion. In the past, conventional wisdom held that nobody knew why a child is autistic, or how the diagnosis would manifest. However, years of scientific study have greatly furthered the medical community’s understanding of factors that statistically correlate with the prevalence of autism.
Specifically, numerous studies have established a significant statistical correlation between autism and premature birth. In fact, a population-based study in Sweden with more than 3,000,000 participants showed a noticeably greater chance that children born early would be later diagnosed with autism. According to the findings, a baby born at just 25 weeks is 40x more likely to be diagnosed with autism than a child born at 27 weeks. This study and others like it show that the more premature a child is born, the greater the chance of that child being autistic. Based on these studies a “causal inference” between prematurity and autism has been established and now warrants further study.
Filing a Lawsuit for Your Child’s Autism
The link between autism and premature birth has become too noticeable to ignore. If a child is born prematurely, and that premature birth is due to a doctor’s mistakes, then it could constitute medical malpractice. For example, if your doctor misread your child’s vital signs and ordered an emergency C-section that caused your child to be born prematurely, then you may be able to file a lawsuit in pursuit of damages and justice on behalf of your child if they are diagnosed with autism later.
I am Attorney David A. Kates of the Law Office of David A. Kates, PLLC, and I am the first attorney in the state of New York to obtain a successful jury verdict involving premature birth and autism. If your child has been diagnosed with autism and you believe your premature labor was negligently treated, I would be happy to speak with you. During a free initial consultation, you and I can discuss the details of your child’s birth and determine if you have a valid claim against the medical providers who might be to blame for your child’s autism diagnosis.
Call me at (718) 866-3664 or complete an online form today to begin your claim. Polish services are available.