Some studies have suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the makers or sellers of Tylenol did not issue warnings alerting women to this potential risk.
Parents and guardians of kids with autism are taking legal action by filing product liability lawsuits. Tylenol autism lawsuits focus on the absence of a warning to pregnant women regarding risks linked to taking Tylenol during pregnancy.
What are the Signs of Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder. Its signs can be diagnosed in children by age 2 or earlier. Fortunately, many resources are available to help parents determine if their child may be autistic. Early diagnosis and intervention also can be very helpful in improving outcomes for children with autism.
There are several early signs of autism. These include a failure by a child to respond to their name, to point at something they want, or to wave. In addition, children with autism may not smile when someone smiles at them or make eye contact with those trying to make eye contact with them.
Other potential signs of autism are:
- Repeating the same action or routine over and over.
- An obsession with lining up toys in a particular way.
- Odd or unusual movements, including walking on tippy toes and flapping hands.
- Tantrums or outbursts that are violent
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication with others
- Delayed speech or language skills
It is important to remember that these signs alone do not necessarily mean a child has autism. However, parents can speak with their child’s physician if they are concerned about their child’s development or behavior. The physician may refer them to a specialist who can evaluate their child for autism and provide guidance on appropriate interventions.
Resources on Autism
There are many resources available to help parents learn more about autism. Using them is smart if they think their child may be autistic.
Both private and non-profit organizations around the country are available to help parents with autistic children. Finding them is easily done through an online search. It is essential for parents to do their research and seek out respected sources of information to make sure the information they are getting is accurate.
Speaking to a Physician About Concerns
If parents think their child may be autistic, they should have them evaluated by a physician specializing in autism. The physician may be able to help determine if Tylenol taken during pregnancy could be linked to the child’s autism.
A physician may use several methods to assess a child for autism. Here are some standard assessment methods that may be used:
- Developmental screening: This brief assessment is designed to identify children who may be at risk for developmental delays or disorders, including autism. They may use a screening tool, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), to help identify children who may be at risk for ASD.
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation: If a child is identified as being at risk for autism, the child might undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. A specialist, such as a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician, may do this evaluation. It may involve a variety of assessments, such as observations of the child’s behavior, interviews with the child and their family, and standardized tests of developmental skills and abilities.
- Medical history and physical examination: The physician may take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the child’s symptoms.
- Family history: The doctor may ask about the child’s family history to identify any genetic or environmental factors that may be contributing to the child’s symptoms.
It is important to note that every child is unique, and the assessment process may vary depending on their needs and circumstances. The goal of the assessment process is to identify any developmental concerns or delays as early as possible so that appropriate interventions and support can be provided to the child and their family.
Consult With an Attorney
If a physician thinks your child’s autism might be due to the mother taking acetaminophen while pregnant, Action Matters can provide a free assessment to see if you are eligible to file to join the Tylenol autism lawsuit. If you are considered eligible, your attorney will review all of your documentation and help you understand the legal process and how your case will move forward. This type of case can be complicated because of the scientific evidence at issue. Therefore, it is wise to work with an attorney who has experience with these types of cases.
Remember that the Tylenol autism lawsuit is new, so it could take quite a while before any settlement is reached. Cases can take years until a settlement is reached or before they go to trial.