Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are developmental delay disorders. As the name ASD implies, a diagnosis is not the same for everyone. The cognitive and psychological impairments can range from mild to severe. A child may even go undiagnosed because the symptoms can masquerade as character traits or are written off as bad behavior.
A study conducted by several medical researchers and doctors looked for the source of these disorders, and they found it to be in the form of a birth injury. In fact, researchers found that at least one type of injury occurred in 80 percent of the cases studied involving these disorders.
A wide range of injuries, from improper use of forceps to the failure to monitor a baby’s oxygen levels, were linked to the developmental delay disorders. Some of these injuries are not immediately obvious, so how do you know what to look out for as a parent? There are a couple of different stages:
Immediately after birth: Neurological damage can present within 24-48 hours after an injury occurs. When children cannot keep food down, cry excessively, arch their backs when lying on their side or move their arms and legs in an unbalanced manner, they could have suffered a neurological injury.
During childhood: All children are unique, and they grow and learn at different speeds. There are a few signs to watch out for as they enter school. These include frequent boredom, easy distractions, angry outbursts, inability to concentrate on a particular task, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inability to follow or remember directions, poor listening skills, poor social skills, inability to show empathy, word repetition and lack of imagination, among other signs.
Parents can sense when something is wrong. The most important thing they can do is trust their senses, ask questions and push for testing. They can also consult with an attorney when they suspect that a doctor or hospital in Kansas City did something wrong.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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