Opioid Epidemic Raising Special Education Concerns – Blog 4

I recently read an article about the babies having withdrawl from opioid when they are born. The mothers abused the drug while they were pregnant and so the child becomes addicted to the drug while they are in the womb. Between 2000 and 2013, there were 22,000 babies that were tested positive for opioid. There was a range on the number depending on the state. For example, West Virginia had 33 babies tested positive in one year, while other states may have been 25 or 30.
Researchers have followed and studied the children that were in neonatal care due to drugs and now they are in preschool. They are seeing behavioral problems in the children when they are in preschool. For example, they are more likely to bite, kick, and lash out without a trigger. Some of them are very hard to soothe. The children could also have sensory overloads. While not every child who was exposed to opioid in the womb is having a problem, the majority of the children are having some kind of struggle in school. Researchers also looked at a group of seventh graders that were exposed as babies had lower test scores. Their scores were lower than a fifth graders. It certainly affects them throughout their entire life.
The states are being proactive and they are giving the teachers special trainings to help the children, especially in states like West Virginia where the percentage is high.
I personally think it is sad that this is happening because it is something that can be avoided. I feel that we need to educate our parents as much as possible to help prevent this. Hopefully with awareness, this percentage will come back down. I am glad that districts are being proactive and training teachers to help the children. Early intervention is always important!

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/09/19/opioid-epidemic-raising-special-education-concerns.html