Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Communicative Disorders
Date of Award
5-2017
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kerry Proctor-Williams, Brenda Louw
Committee Members
Kimberly Hale
Abstract
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.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Ratliff, Brittany V., "Prevalence of Communication Disorders in Children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on School Speech-Language Pathology Caseloads: A National Survey" (2017). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3204. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3204
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Early Childhood Education Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Other Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons