Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors - Autism and Birth Trauma

Public Question

My son was recently diagnosed with autism. There is no family history of autism whatsoever. I always thought that his care at the time of his birth was poor. Please tell me if you have ever come across a case where a child’s autism diagnosis was linked to his birth management.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be regarded as a developmental difference which relates to how a person communicates and interacts with others, and how they experience the world around them. As a result of the ability to think and process the world differently from what society expects, those who possess these differences in thought are called "neurodivergent," while those who do not are called "neurotypical."

ASD has a tendency to run in families, but the inheritance pattern is usually unknown. I note that you say that you have no family history of autism. 
Evidence continues to emerge of a suggested association between ASD and birth injuries and also other conditions in the immediate post birth phase. For example,  brain injury can occur in circumstances where there is a lack of oxygen or other brain trauma during a baby's birth, thereby increasing the risk of ASD. 

Also, a well-known study has identified a link between hypoglycaemia and ASD. In situations where a newborn’s blood sugars become low a condition called hypoglycaemia can develop and if not treated quickly, brain injury can potentially occur, increasing the risk of ASD. 
I understand that this is a sensitive subject and if you would like to call me in confidence, I will be happy to speak with you.