Parents Peter and Gaynelle Russert were more than surprised when they learned that at the ages of 40 and 44, respectively, they were going to be parents—and to twins nonetheless! The couple’s fraternal twins, Drew and Skyler, were almost four when they were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Skyler’s case was more severe than Drew’s, but with no family history of autism, Peter and Gaynelle began to question what other reasons could have caused this diagnosis.
NBC reports that the family wondered whether environmental factors or possibly genetics caused the autism, but were never able to nail down one specific cause like most parents of children with autism. From an early age, Peter and Gaynelle involved the boys in medical studies, like a Stanford University investigation about fraternal twins with autism. Additionally, they began different forms of therapy and augmented the boys’ diet. Now 16, both Drew and Skylar are star football players at their high school and on track to attend college.
Stanford University Study of Twins With Autism
Researchers at Stanford University found that fraternal twins, which included Drew and Skylar, have distinctively higher rates of autism than identical twins. Because fraternal twins do not share identical DNA, the study suggested that environmental factors, such as parent’s age and the medical care an unborn baby receives, may possibly factor for as much as 55 percent of a person’s risk for autism. We covered this study more in depth in another blog post.
Terbutaline is a drug often given to mothers to halt labor and prevent premature birth. Studies have found that children born after the use of this drug may have a higher chance of an autism diagnosis. Our birth trauma attorney would like to represent your case if you suspect that you were given this dangerous drug, and your fraternal twins were later diagnosed with autism. Tell us about your pregnancy experience, and we will determine the necessary actions to seek justice for you and your children.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – birth trauma lawyers
