Education Law That Changes Lives

Advocating For Those On The Spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Scientists do not know yet exactly what causes these differences for most people with ASD. However, some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. There are multiple causes of ASD, although most are not yet known.

We have represented a host of clients in pursuing legal needs to obtain successful education. Discuss your goals with our knowledgeable attorney at Windsor Law LLC.

The Diagnosed Conditions Of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but they may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately:

  • Autistic disorder
  • Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
  • Asperger’s syndrome

These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.

Work With A Lawyer Who Can Pursue Focused Help

To get an accurate diagnosis, you may need a team of specialists. Windsor Law LLC works with medical and educational experts to provide families with a psychological and educational evaluation of the child. Often a developmental pediatrician can diagnose best. Additional testing may include an EEG or MRI Scan to see which part of the brain is not functioning normally. Each case is unique, and we will tailor the testing and our services to your needs.

ASD begins before the age of three and lasts throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills or they lose the skills they once had. Studies have shown that one-third to half of the parents of children with an ASD noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday, and nearly 80% to 90% saw problems by 24 months of age.

Symptoms Of ASD

It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, the impairments may make life very challenging.

A person with ASD might:

  • Not respond to their name by 12 months of age
  • Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
  • Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
  • Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
  • Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
  • Have delayed speech and language skills
  • Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
  • Give unrelated answers to questions
  • Get upset by minor changes
  • Have obsessive interests
  • Flap their hands, rock their body or spin in circles
  • Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

Regardless of the type of ASD a person has, there are ways to manage the disorder and improve learning skills. You may need a lawyer’s help to get your student’s school to work with you, so speak with us as soon as possible.

Advocating For Improved Learning

Let us deal with the Florida school system, so you can have some peace of mind. Come into our Sarasota legal practice and meet with our approachable autism lawyer. Please call Windsor Law LLC at 941-487-7527 or contact us online.