NCJ Number
215507
Date Published
2003
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents an in-depth 4-year case study of an adolescent exposed to crack cocaine in utero.
Abstract
The findings focus on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of the subject during late adolescence. The results are discussed in terms of the subjects’ physical effects, socioeconomic effects, cognitive effects, vocational and life skills implications, psychometric observations, and present outcomes associated with crack cocaine exposure in utero. Specific findings indicated that the subject was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), appeared to have a rapid metabolism, and experienced sleep dysfunction. Delays in social development were observed but he did not demonstrate problems with attachment. Cognitive effects included disorganization and difficulties functioning in the workplace but intelligence testing revealed the subject had an intelligence quotient within the normal range. Implications of the findings for educators are discussed and include the advice to provide a structured learning environment in order to target the strengths of adolescents exposed to cocaine, strengths such as prosocial tendencies, motivation to succeed, and good memory. Social implications and implications for the criminal justice system are also discussed, including the observation that the lasting physical and cognitive outcomes produced by in utero cocaine exposure may pose special problems for the social welfare system, particularly in the area of homelessness. Data were obtained through systematic observations and extensive interviews with the subject, his friends and peers, his father, grandmother, teachers, counselors, employers, and probation officers. The subject completed a series of assessments including the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, the Importance of Goals Scale, and the Adolescent Health Survey. The authors also reviewed the subject’s high school records, standardized test scores, police records, letters written to friends, personal journals, and probation records. Although difficult to successfully conduct, additional research is needed on comparisons between crack-exposed and non-crack-exposed adolescents. The authors further suggest that research on incarcerated juveniles may lead to interesting findings. Table, references, notes