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

Our case studies are based on actual opioid-exposed children in our community. Names have been changed to protect their identities.

OWEN’S CONSTELLATION

PRENATAL EXPOSURE

  • Exposed to opioids, fentanyl, heroin, methadone, cocaine, THC, and nicotine

BIRTH

  • Born via c-section at 39 weeks. Received NAS diagnosis at 36 hours old. Received an NG tube in the NICU, where he stayed for 12 days under Eat, Sleep, Console protocol. NG tube was removed upon discharge, but he has suffered from feeding challenges, slow growth, and gastrointestinal distress throughout infancy and into toddlerhood.

SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION

  • Speech and Language Delays

  • Vision issues: Nystagmus, Amblyopia, and Astigmatism

  • Developmental Differences/Delays

  • Muscle/Motor Diagnoses (Low Muscle Tone, Gross and Oral Motor Delays)

  • Feeding Challenges & Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Sensory Processing Challenges

OTHER CHALLENGES

  • Diagnosed Failure to Thrive as an infant. Is on the growth chart now but remains in the 1st and 2nd percentiles for height and weight.

  • Bangs his head on hard surfaces when frustrated and needs to wear a padded helmet at times.

FAMILY

  • Owen’s biological mother made an adoption plan prior to giving birth. Owen left the NICU with his adoptive parents.

OPAL’S CONSTELLATION

PRENATAL EXPOSURE

  • buprenorphine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, Zantac

BIRTH

  • Born at 36-6/7 weeks via c-section, diagnosed with NAS, in NICU for 10 days, given morphine for withdrawal symptoms, very limited prenatal care, mother not aware of pregnancy until 5 months

SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION

  • Academic Difficulties

  • Sleep Problems

  • Chronic Nervous System Dysregulation

  • Trauma Responses

  • ADHD and Executive Function Difficulties

OTHER CHALLENGES

  • Destructive/aggressive behavior, constant need for attention, perseverance (can't stop a behavior once she's started it)

FAMILY

  • Opal lived with her biological mother for first 2.5 months, then came to adoptive family via foster care (only one placement).

ODIN’S CONSTELLATION

PRENATAL EXPOSURE

  • Heroin, percocet, methadone, benzodiazepines, cocaine, oxycodone, tobacco

BIRTH

  • Born premature at 28 weeks, no NAS diagnosis, two months and a day in the NICU

SYMPTOM CONSTELLATION

  • Trauma Responses

  • Academic Difficulties

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Speech & Language Delays

  • Anxiety/Chronic Nervous System Dysregulation

  • ADHD/Executive Function Weakness

  • Developmental Differences/Disabilities

  • Sensory Processing Challenges

OTHER CHALLENGES

  • Mental health difficulties - depression and anxiety, along with suicidality and self harm

FAMILY

  • Two NICUS, three foster homes, and then placement for adoption at age 26 months