Adopting a Substance-Exposed Baby - I Never Stop Educating Myself on the Care of This Child

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Drug babies

'Children who have been exposed prenatally to alcohol and illicit drugs have trouble regulating themselves-whether it's their behaviors, their emotions, or their sleep patterns. In general, prenatally exposed children have trouble figuring out Children who have been exposed prenatally to alcohol and illicit drugs not know how to interpret all the busyness in the world around them. A good example of this is the difficulty the newborn or young infant has in habituating (blocking out) visual and auditory stimulation. An infant who is unable to filter out unimportant sounds-such as the buzz of an air conditioner-can become overwhelmed easily and appear irritable and disorganized. Children like this are unable to fall asleep easily and maintain a good sleep state. Thus, they do not get enough quality rest, which can affect mood and hamper the ability of these children to regulate behavior and attention. This makes a child prenatally exposed to alcohol and illicit drugs appear very much like a child who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).' -Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D.

Drug Exposed Infant Care:

Based on her research, Dr. Shah says 6 to 18 months of age is a relatively symptom free time for meth-exposed babies. Early breathing and excessive fussing problems can dissipate as the meth-exposed child approaches his second birthday.

Monitor the baby's sensitivity to different stimuli. If he complains when a bright light is turned on, keep lighting softer. If he kicks off his blanket, bed him down in a one-piece sleeper. If hypersensitivity to light or sound keeps the baby from sleeping, keep her sleeping environment dark and quiet. If the baby is constantly fussy, consider "wearing" the baby in a soft carrier. Because babies are sensitive to caregivers' emotions, close proximity to a consciously tranquil and caring parent can ease distress and promote bonding. By the same token, avoid passing meth-exposed babies around to strangers. Seeing new face after new face can be over-stimulating and disconcerting. One article recommends some simple steps to help your baby settle in order to sleep. Introduce changes (noise, light, smells, environment, people) gradually. *a positive article on helping a child to sleep is found here Consult with the baby's pediatrician before giving any medication, particularly any drug with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, a component of meth. Drug Exposed Child Care: As the toddler matures, however, parents may notice continuing problems with sensory integration dysfunction (a child's inability to process sensory input correctly), and more trouble with paying attention, controlling anger, and having aggressive outbursts. Once the child enters a more structured school setting, learning difficulties may become evident. Overall, behaviors are consistent with those exhibited by many foster children, so caregivers must be ready to advocate for the child at school and seek other services that can help each child, given his specific challenges, to manage life more effectively. Let your child's teachers to know (in confidence of course) that your foster/adopted child did have substance exposure in utero. The results of the exposure may show up in their first few years of schooling. It will help that teacher when assessing a child's behaviors and abilities. A good teacher will see areas where a modified learning system will be needed to help the child grasp a concept. If a child has a sensory integration dysfunction, track his behavior and note what may have provoked the behavior. If a child rejects certain clothing, fabric, or food textures, he may be hypersensitive to touch. An aversion to loud noises would signal auditory hypersensitivity, and conversely, under-sensitivity to body movement could provoke a child to strive for perpetual motion. When you find out what causes certain behaviors, try to avoid the triggers and teach others to do the same. The child might also benefit from a sensory integration evaluation and occupational therapy. When treated at a young age, some children can gain better control over their sensory perceptions. Because attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms can stem from sensory integration problems, check that possibility before seeking behavioral therapy or medicine. If ADHD is diagnosed, practice positive reinforcement, seek classroom accommodations, and consider programs where the child can have more individual attention. Help your child communicate. Introduce sign language. I would HIGHLY recommend Signing Times (all my children - biological, foster, daycare - have used it with great success!) Learn to decipher messages behind behaviors. Children who prolong the bedtime ritual, for example, may unknowingly fear abandonment. When you know why your child is acting out, it is much easier to be objective and keep situations from escalating. On a personal note: we brought home three little ones (all under the age of three) and trying to decipher their "messages" was really hard. I struggled with making a connection. I had always been good at figuring out what the non verbal child needed due working in a daycare setting for several years. It doesn't hurt to ask around and get other's input. Several times it was outside perspectives that really help us to bond and bring the child to a place of comfort. Bring the whole family to therapy. Your child's issues must be addressed within the context of living with you. Consider options for schooling. Alissa, whose two youngest children were exposed to meth in utero, is home schooling them. She knows that the children, who are prone to infections and have trouble focusing, are much less likely to catch colds at home, will be spared damaging labels like bad or stupid, and will not pick up undesirable behaviors from other kids at school. No child is perfect and there is no way to know the extent that the drug abuse will affect your child. There is a wide range of results. I know of more than a dozen children who range from no affect to significant health and learning delays. You as the foster and adoptive parent provide the greatest asset to your child's success: a willingness to help them through all their trials and overcome their challenges. According to Dana Johnson, writing in the journal Early Human Development, apart from "assuring survival for children whose parents are unwilling or unable to care for them," adoption can "affect child development in profound ways." Adoption, she writes, provides "a remarkable environment for healing emotional and physical trauma and reversing developmental deficits."

Overview

According to the federal government, approximately 325,000 drug-exposed infants are born every year. Infants exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero may suffer a variety of short-term and long-term mental and physical health consequences. These can include learning disabilities, sensory integration issues, tremors, retarded growth and changes in muscle tone. Adopting these children can be challenging, but effective interventions and many sources of support exist for parents.

Effects of Substance Exposure

One of the most common early symptoms seen in substance-exposed infants is hypersensitivity to stimuli. Long term, these children may exhibit signs of attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties and/or sensory integration issues. Physical symptoms of substance-exposed infants may include tremors, stiff or limp muscles, and gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms will vary according to the type of substance the infant was exposed to. Physical development may be delayed in drug-exposed children. Symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic, include distinctive facial features, heart defects, deformities of joints, limbs and fingers, retarded physical growth before and after birth, vision and hearing problems, small head circumference and brain size, poor coordination, sleep issues, mental retardation and delayed development, learning disorders and abnormal behavior.

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Interventions

Early intervention is important for positive outcomes. External stimuli, such as light, sound, touch and voice, should be controlled and introduced gradually. Adoption agencies should be able to assist as needed with obtaining early-intervention services and, if needed later, behavioral-management programs, special-education services, tutoring, and assessment and intervention for neuropsychological problems.

Support

A number of support services are available for parents adopting substance-exposed babies, including counseling services for parents and other family members, support groups for parents, education and guidance for dealing with childhood and adolescent behaviors, respite care and legal assistance for parents for finalizing adoptions and for pursuing needed services.

Benefits

Although adopting a substance-abused child presents a number of challenges, the families and child usually will experience benefits as well. According to Dana Johnson, writing in the journal Early Human Development, apart from "assuring survival for children whose parents are unwilling or unable to care for them," adoption can "affect child development in profound ways." Adoption, she writes, provides "a remarkable environment for healing emotional and physical trauma and reversing developmental deficits."

Considerations

Adoption.com recommends that prospective adoptive parents obtain a complete medical history and details about the child's exposure, including what substances were taken, the length of use and whether the child was born addicted. They should ask for results of neonatal and subsequent testing and also get independent medical evaluations. Interested parents should educate themselves about the effects of prenatal substance exposure and seriously consider their attitudes and abilities to care for a child with special needs.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/78309-adopting-substanceexposed-baby/#ixzz1Xlr5huzH