Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects a person’s communication, behavior, and social interactions. Researchers are still studying the exact causes of autism. However, many parents often wonder, “Can autism be caused by a birth injury?”
Birth injuries often occur during labor and delivery, resulting in long-term health consequences for the newborn.
Is there a link between birth injuries and autism? In this blog, we will look at recent scientific findings and what they can mean for a potential legal claim.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
This condition can develop into a wide range of symptoms. Many individuals may have sensory sensitivities or experience social interaction and communication difficulties. Along with that, they also may display repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States. In most cases, genetics plays a role. However, some research suggests that environmental factors during prenatal and perinatal periods might contribute to the likelihood of developing ASD.
Do Birth Injuries Lead to Autism?
A birth injury happens when there is physical trauma or harm suffered by a baby during the process of labor and delivery. Many times, this can lead to long-term developmental or neurological issues, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or cognitive delays.
But can they contribute to autism?
While no single cause of autism has been identified, some research suggests that certain complications during birth may increase the risk of a child developing this condition. Factors linking birth injuries to autism can be categorized into the following areas:
Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia or Anoxia)
Some studies have made a connection between birth injuries and autism, especially when it involves oxygen deprivation during delivery. Hypoxia or anoxia can lead to brain damage in areas of the brain associated with social behavior, language, and sensory processing. Those are also all the areas that can be affected by autism.
A 2017 study conducted by Kaiser Permanente identified an association between birth asphyxia and an increased risk of autism. When there is an injury to the developing brain’s white matter, it can affect communication between different brain regions.
However, while a lack of oxygen can contribute to conditions that share some symptoms with ASD, it is not a definitive cause of autism in most cases.
Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
Babies born before 32 weeks of gestation or with very low birth weights have a higher risk for developmental delays, including autism. Sometimes, the medical treatment required to support these infants can occasionally lead to complications or injuries.
Research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2018 found that extremely low birth weight babies had a higher rate of autism than those born at a normal weight. The study suggested that disruptions to brain development are caused by the stress of premature birth or complications, which lead to respiratory distress and insufficient oxygenation.
Head Trauma During Delivery
The use of forceps, vacuum extractors, or prolonged labor can result in head injuries, including bleeding in the brain. These injuries can cause damage to areas of the brain associated with autism symptoms, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. While not a common cause, this trauma during birth can result in developmental disorders, including those with overlapping features of autism.
Are There Any Limitations in Research?
While some of these studies show there is evidence suggesting a link between certain birth injuries and an increased risk of autism, no clear evidence exists. For example, there is always the issue of correlation vs. causation.
These studies might show an association, but they cannot prove that birth injuries directly cause autism. Sometimes, genetic predisposition or other prenatal factors may play a larger role.
Along with that, there could be other factors to consider in these cases. Socioeconomic status, access to prenatal care, and maternal health can all lead to an increased autism risk.
Can You Pursue Legal Options?
In some cases, if your child has autism, you might want to think about taking legal action against the healthcare providers. However, you will need to show that medical negligence during delivery caused a birth injury that contributed to the child’s condition. Like most medical malpractice claims, you will have to show that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care during labor and delivery. Also, there needs to be a link between a birth injury and the development of autism.
Unfortunately, these cases can be difficult to prove because many factors could contribute to autism, and it is challenging to narrow them down to a single cause.
While there is growing evidence that certain birth injuries may contribute to the risk of developing autism, they are unlikely to be the sole cause.
If you are concerned about the impact of a birth injury on your child’s development, make sure to seek legal advice to better understand your options.
At Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC, we know that birth injuries can devastate many families. In many cases, these incidents were the result of mistakes by the healthcare staff. If you would like to discuss your case, we always offer consultations to help you discover your legal options.
