When behavior is viewed through a narrow lens, we risk assigning false labels to children with trauma. For example:

- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

- “Manipulative” or “attention-seeking”

These conclusions don’t just miss the mark, they could cause long-term damage. They can reinforce shame and push families further apart.

They also frame emotional survival as pathology, a practice currently too prevalent in our systems. While I recognize labels are often necessary to receive treatment, these labels also follow a child across schools, placements, or case plans, and can shape how every adult in their life responds to them.

In a recent Science in Plain English article, we shared how researchers tested various formulas with babies experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) That study found that high calorie formulas were beneficial, and that lactose content did not matter. In this post, we are sharing four formulas commonly recommended in our online support group.

Thanks in part to their propensity for GI issues, babies with and recovering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are prone to more severe cases of diaper rash. Research on babies with NAS has shown zinc oxide barrier creams to be an effective part of treating diaper rash. In this post, we will detail the top zinc oxide creams as recommended by our caregiver support group.

Raising opioid-exposed kids can be challenging, especially as they get older. We hear over and over from caregivers that as kids age into the preschool years, the long term effects of prenatal opioid-exposure start to emerge. From trauma responses and ADHD to sensory differences and feeding challenges, there are many possible effects on older children. While there aren’t any books specifically about raising opioid-exposed kids (yet!), here are our top 10 favorite books for tools and strategies to support your family.