The incidence of prenatal drug exposure in the United States of America has elevated significantly over the last decade, resulting in an increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Children exposed to drugs in utero experience both short- and long-term medical and developmental complications. Short-term complications often experienced while in the hospital include gastointestinal difficulties and central and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Children exposed to drugs prenatally demonstrate an increased risk of cognitive difficulties, behavioral issues, emotional development, motor performance and attention. Based on current evidence, a variety of occupational therapy treatments have proven to be effective in addressing the array of problem areas associated with prenatal drug exposure. Developing an appropriate client-centered OT treatment intervention for children prenatally exposed to drugs can be challenging for Level I and Level II occupational therapy students. This project is designed to educate future occupational therapists in how prenatal drug exposure impacts a child’s development as well as to introduce clinical presentation and evidence-based treatment interventions designed to enhance the child’s occupational performance.
