COMMON SYMPTOMS
UNIQUE CONSTELLATIONS
Parents and caregivers of babies born with opioid exposure have begun to see common symptoms in their children. Just as in FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), not every child has every symptom. They do, however, experience their own unique constellation of symptoms from this common group.
These constellations of symptoms do not have a name. By recognizing within the medical field that these symptoms are related to prenatal opioid exposure, we believe children and families can be better supported beyond withdrawal and as symptoms continue to emerge throughout childhood.
Formalizing the condition, naming it, and studying it is incredibly vital to the lives of these children. We must empower medical professionals, parents and caregivers to offer children the support they need, while the time is still right for them to do so.
Generation O deserves to thrive.
CASE STUDIES
Learn more about prenatal opioid-exposure and symptom constellations in these children.
OWEN’S CONSTELLATION
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
Exposed to opioids, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, THC, and methadone
BIRTH
Born with NAS, sent home from NICU with feeding tube. Suffered from gastrointestinal distress throughout infancy.
SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION
*Currently receiving therapy or treatment
Feeding*
Hypersensitive
Sensory avoidant*
Aggression and emotional overwhelm expressed through banging head on hard surface (wears padded helmet)
Language delay*
Gross motor delay*
Vision issues: Nystagmus and Astigmatism
FAMILY
Owen’s biological mother made an adoption plan prior to giving birth. Owen left the NICU with his adoptive parents.
OAKLEY’S CONSTELLATION
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
Exposed to buprenorphine
BIRTH
Born with NAS
SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION
*Currently receiving therapy or treatment
Vision processing problems leading to poor academic performance*
Sensory seeking behavior
ARFID (Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder)*
Difficulty with focus and concentration
Sleep problems
ADHD*
Complex PTSD
FAMILY
Oakley’s biological mother began using heroin again shortly after Oakley was born. He lived with his grandmother for a few years before entering the foster care system. Oakley currently lives with his second foster family.
OLIVIA’S CONSTELLATION
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
Exposed to prescription oxycontin and tramadol
BIRTH
Did not receive NAS diagnosis
SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION
Aggressive behavior at home and school
Trouble making friends
Difficulty with focus and concentration
Sleep problems
Behind a grade level in reading
FAMILY
Olivia lives with her biological family.