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New York Autism Lawyer

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autistic Disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by "the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development of social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests." Autistic behavior varies greatly depending upon the developmental level and age of the individual.

What are the Signs of Autism?

Marked impairment in non-verbal behaviors is a characteristic of Autism. Common behaviors of Autism are lack of eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures and gestures, and the failure to develop peer relationships. Other characteristics of Autism are speech impairment, limited social interaction, reduced intellectual function, motor skill impairment, repetitive patterns of behavior and reduced ability to function independently. The onset of Autistic Disorder is generally prior to age three.

What are the Causes of Autism?

Studies have explored the causes of Autism. Research discloses that Autistic Disorder is caused by a genetic predisposition together with an external or environmental factor. These factors include toxicity in the population from phenolic precursors and heavy metals, such as lead paint and mercury. There are susceptibility genes that are triggered by these and other environmental toxins. In addition, hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen) resulting from medical malpractice, has been found to be a cause of Autism.

Neurotoxins (lead paint, mercury, arsenic, solvents, pesticides, carbon monoxide, etc.) or a lack of oxygen to the brain, kill brain cells and interfere with the normal brain development. The death of brain cells and the inability of brain cells to interconnect can result in Autistic Disorder.

Who is Most Susceptible to Becoming Autistic?

Children are most susceptible to Autism. Hypoxia at birth and exposure to environmental toxins at an early age interfere with the brain at the most critical point of development. When children are exposed to toxins, the toxin is absorbed and deposited into the brain. Children retain toxins longer in their bodies and this results in greater damage to the developing neurons (brain cells). This results in Autism in many children.

Legal Help for Autistic Children

If your child has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and you wish to determine whether it was caused by an external or environmental factor, such as lead paint or hypoxia from medical malpractice, please contact a New York Autism Lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C. now at (888) FINZ-FIRM to speak with an experienced attorneys or fill out the Free Autism Case Evaluation form at the right of this page.

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