Prevalence of Communication Disorders in Children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on School Speech-Language Pathology Caseloads: A National Survey

• Main Author: Ratliff, Brittany V.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2017
• Subjects: neonatal abstinence syndrome; long-term neurodevelopmental effects; speech-language pathology; schools; communication disorders; comorbidity; Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Other Education; Secondary Education; Special Education and Teaching; Speech Pathology and Audiology; Substance Abuse and Addiction
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3204; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4643&context=etd

There is concern about the recently increasing number of infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), yet little is known about its long-term neurodevelopmental effects. School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are in a unique position to comment on potential long-term consequences of NAS because their caseloads include children with a variety of communication disorders and comorbidities. School-based SLPs across the United States (N = 258) responded to a survey about the presence of children with NAS on their caseloads and their perceptions of the children’s communication disorders and comorbidities. Results revealed that children with NAS currently are being treated by SLPs. They primarily present with receptive/expressive language and literacy disorders, and comorbid Broad Developmental Delay, ADD, and ADHD. Furthermore, documentation of NAS is often not available to SLPs, hindering creation of protocols for identification and treatment. The results of this study indicate that investment in future research is warranted.