Summary

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is withdrawal that occurs in a newborn who was exposed to opioid, heroin cocaine, hallucinogens and other drugs while in the mother’s womb.

Prevention Related Standards

Problems may include

  • Processing information, following directions

  • Attention

  • Difficulty learning

  • Respiratory problems

  • Sleep disorders

  • Irrational or extreme reactions to normal activities or corrections

  • Sensitivity to lights, touch, or sound

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children born with NAS are more likely than those born without NAS to have:

  • A disability that effects learning

  • Developmental delays or speech or language impairment

  • Lifelong learning challenges

  • Difficulty self-regulating

How can I help my child now?

  • On-going care from a health care provider

  • Speak softly; give simple one or two step directions

  • Provide structure and consistency

  • Allow choices and be flexible

  • Show compassion and patience

  • Keep tidy, neat quiet living space

  • Well thought out gentle discipline

  • Use soft classical music or sounds in the home (Ocean waves, wind blowing)

  • Care for yourself and reach out for help

  • Become member of support group or parenting class

What can I do for my child in the long-run?

  • Work with pediatrician, take child for regular check-ups

  • Work with the school to find appropriate support for learning

  • Seek family counseling

  • Learn more about NAS as more research is conducted

  • Advocate for laws that:

    • Fund prevention education in schools and work places
    • Prevent WV physicians from over prescribing drugs
    • Support grant programs that fund treatment and prevention research

Source: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-(nas).aspx

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome causes brain damage and growth problems. The problems caused by fetal alcohol syndrome vary from child to child, but defects caused by fetal alcohol syndrome are not reversible.

Problems may include

  • Memory and attention

  • Problem solving

  • Hyperactivity and impulsivity

  • Vision or hearing

  • Behavioral and learning disabilities

  • Heart, bones, and/or kidney defects

  • Poor judgement, coordination, social skills

How can I help my child now?

  • On-going care from a health care provider

  • Give short one step directions

  • Maintain a safe, stable, loving home environment

  • Be patient

  • Use a visual schedule

  • Careful and loving discipline practices

  • Work through changes in schedule ahead of time

  • Become member of support group or parenting class

How can I help my child long term?

  • Work with pediatrician, take child for regular check-ups

  • Work with school staff to provide school and home strategies for learning

  • Help him/her learn appropriate ways to express their feelings

  • Advocate for laws that:

    • Fund prevention education in schools and work places
    • Support interventions for mothers and fathers with alcohol abuse
    • Support grant programs that fund treatment and prevention research

Source:

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