| Abstract: | In trying to prevent developmental delays, we are continually searching for specific events or factors that are responsible for less than optimal development. Recept attention has focused on the effects of cocaine exposure in utero, with the most common effects appearing to be subtle neurobehavioral differences. The purpose of this study was to determine if, at the age of 6 months, infants exposed to cocaine exhibit significant differences in behavior and cognitive abilities. Results of this study revealed differences between exposed and nonexposed infants in both temperament and behavioral characteristics. Temperamentally, children prenatally exposed to cocaine were reported to be less cooperative, more difficult to manage, and more arrhythmic. The drug-exposed group was also rated lower on behavioral characteristics of responsiveness, communication, and participation. The two groups were similar in terms of cognitive development. The impact of these behavioral effects on the mother-infant relationship is discussed in terms of clinical and research implications of this study. |
