Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome in the Premature Infant

The incidence of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, as related to in-utero or medical management of pain, has significantly increased in the past decade. These infants present with unique sequala of sensory and motor development as related to the pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of their exposure. Ongoing support, assessment, and treatment interventions reduce the risk of severe developmental delays but require an understanding of NICU care practices and careful assessment of the infant’s skill performance to mitigate atypical development. Information will be provided on the diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Participants will review medical pathology and assessment/treatment interventions to reduce atypical sensory/motor skills that impact long-term developmental skill attainment. This course will be focused on skill development for infants term corrected (37 weeks) to 3 months (corrected or chronological age). Participants are asked to bring a soft body doll, ideally 12-15″ long, but any size would be appropriate.

Following this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify musculoskeletal alignment changes due to NOWS/NAS exposure of term infants and the effects on oral feeding/motor development for the infant.
2. Apply two treatment interventions for sensory stabilization, oral feeding, and postural control with the provided case study

Note: This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.