Abstract
In 2011, an estimated 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older were current illicit drug users, meaning they had used an illicit drug during the month prior to the survey interview. This estimate represents 8.7% of the population aged 12 or older (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012). Illicit drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used nonmedically, all of which can, when taken prenatally, have significant implications for a developing fetus. This column offers information about the growing challenges for early intervention professionals of illicit substance abuse and offers resources to assist anyone who is supporting young children who have been prenatally exposed.
The Drug Affected Children Website
This website shares information on children affected by prenatal exposure to cocaine, crack, methamphetamines, alcohol, and other drugs. Articles, information on training, curricula, personal experiences, and research results are posted here. Products and services to help schools, family members, social service agencies, and professionals to support children who were prenatally exposed, and their families, are also offered at this site.
Toolkit for Children Prenatally Drug Exposed
This resource describes common effects of in-utero exposure to marijuana, alcohol, hallucinogens, methamphetamines, crack/cocaine, opiates, and methadone on infants. Subsequent sections describe possible developmental trajectories that may result from prenatal exposure, as well as intervention strategies for infants, children, and families.
Prenatal Tobacco, Marijuana, Stimulant, and Opiate Exposure: Outcomes and Practice Implications
By Sonia Minnes, Adelaide Lang, and Lynn Singer.
The July 2011 issue of Addiction Science & Clinical Practice included this article (pp. 57-70), which offers information about both the impact of prenatal exposure for young children and therapeutic intervention for exposed children.
Spectrum of Early Intervention Services for Children With Intrauterine Drug Exposure
By Harolyn M. E. Belcher, Arlene M. Butz, Pamela Wallace, Alexander H. Hoon, Elsie Reinhardt, Sharon A. Reeves, and Margaret B. Pulsifer.
This 2005 article from Infants & Young Children (pp. 2-15) describes three promising intervention programs to improve the well-being of family members with drug dependence and their children.
Supporting Infants, Toddlers, and Families Impacted by Caregiver Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse, and Trauma: A Community Action Guide
In addition to highlighting the many ways in which substance abuse may impact the development of a young child, this 2012 publication focuses on strategies for building supports and coping capacities in the families and in the people and service providers surrounding each child.
Baby Steps: Caring for Babies With Prenatal Substance Exposure
Baby Steps is a resource for family members and caregivers of babies who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other drugs. Chapters address social/emotional development, sleep, crying, feeding, development, and care.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence
This federally funded center offers resources and training in support of preventing alcohol use among women of childbearing age as well as information for supporting children who have been prenatally exposed.
In the Next Issue
Resources for Developing Family-Guided Outcomes for IFSPs and IEPs