Infants exposed to cocaine in utero: Implications for developmental assessment and intervention

Abstract

Findings of developmental assessment in the newborn and early infancy periods are presented. The implications of abnormal state control and orientation as well as dysfunction in motor control are discussed as the basis for intervention. Intervention in the newborn phase includes information on positioning, handling, and feeding. Parent education to improve the infants' ability to interact with caregivers is emphasized. Improving the infants' movement patterns through play, carrying positions, and handling techniques is the focus of intervention in infancy. While intervention with cocaine-exposed infants is presently possible, these children should be followed by health care professionals through preschool and early school years to identify any behavior or learning disorders that may be associated with intrauterine cocaine exposure