SOCW-6200-1 Human Behavior -Soc Env I-Summer 2025
Developmental Disabilities
Each day in the United States, 80 newborns are diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which they experience withdrawal from a drug they have been exposed to in the womb (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Researchers know now that parental smoking, drinking, and drug use put a fetus at increased risk for disabilities and health disorders. However, adults who are addicted to these substances may not have the capacity to quit and/or may not be fully educated in the risks.
As a social worker, you will meet families in complicated situations that may require a variety of resources for support. These situations can involve parental drug use and the short- and long-term effects on children and the family. In this Discussion, you learn about one such family.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 13). Data and statistics about opioid use during pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/data.html
To Prepare:
• Review this week’s Learning Resources on biological development and development theories.
• Also review the Practice and Interview Skills document in the Learning Resources to familiarize yourself with social work skills.
• View the video case introducing new parents Jim and Sarah in the Learning Resources.
By Day 3 (Please write out the sub headings)
Post your initial response to the video case:
• Identify 1–2 developmental challenges that baby Jane may exhibit as a result of parental substance abuse. Explain how these challenges may impact typical developmental milestones.
• Describe how the dimensions of the person-in-environment perspective can be applied in this case.
• Identify two practice skills that you as the social worker could employ in working with the parents.