Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 18 Prenatal substance exposure: Limited resources for a growing population Lauren learned she was pregnant while incarcerated and recovering from substance use disorder. “At the time, they told me that methadone was the safest option,” she says. “They put me on a pretty significant dose that continued through the rest of my sentence.” Her son Preston was born with prenatal substance exposure (PSE) and spent a week in the NICU before being released to Lauren. “He had severe withdrawal symptoms that were terrifying,” Lauren recalls. “I was hoping that by some miracle my exposure wouldn’t cause too many consequences for him. But I also knew that I had to accept responsibility for the choices I made and do everything possible to get in front of this or Preston’s chances for success would be hindered.” Why children and families impacted by PSE? Prenatal exposure to drugs and/or alcohol can lead to lifelong disabilities and severe behavioral challenges when left untreated. Those impacted by prenatal substance exposure face higher rates of school expulsion, incarceration and homelessness. People with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, encompassed by PSE) have a life expectancy 58% lower than the general population. Prenatal substance exposure is treatable and 100% preventable. Wonderland’s Hope RISING Clinic for Prenatal Substance Exposure is the only clinic dedicated to children with comprehensive PSE services in our region, and the need for services continues to surge. “Wonderland and its early support partners advocated for decades to establish sustainable funding for therapeutic services for infants and toddlers,” shares Liz, Wonderland Chief Investment and Partnership Officer. “It took more than 40 years to build a sustainable funding model for Early Support, but children and families impacted by prenatal substance exposure can’t wait another 40 years for these services. They need our support today.” Hope RISING Clinic’s life-changing services Preston has significant needs. “His speech Wonderland’s Hope RISING Clinic provides trauma-informed care to help children impacted by prenatal substance exposure (PSE) thrive. It’s the only clinic in Washington with comprehensive PSE services for children. Donations allow us to serve families seeking a safe, healing environment. Learn more at wonderlandkids.org delay has been a huge challenge. He has a hard time being understood and controlling his emotions and his temper,” Lauren explains. “Preston takes risks and doesn’t understand the consequences.” Lauren reached out to doctors and was referred to specialists who couldn’t diagnose Preston’s behavior. Lauren was introduced to Hope RISING Clinic through her public health nurse. “Our first session at Hope RISING Clinic was my ‘aha moment’— everything suddenly made sense. The understanding and knowledge we have now is so empowering.” Despite the severity of Preston’s behavioral challenges, Lauren has seen significant improvement in his development. “Preston’s speech has ballooned since working with Hope RISING Clinic,” she says. “Hope RISING Clinic has helped Preston regulate his emotions, giving him an understanding of how to identify and allow his feelings. Previously, Preston was very physically aggressive toward everyone. I’ve seen a dramatic decrease in that.” Not only did Preston benefit from services, but Lauren also found a deeper understanding of Preston’s behavior and a network of support. “I’m able to interpret his behavior for what it actually is because what’s happening in his brain has been explained to me,” she says. “Hope RISING Clinic has always made me feel like Preston and I are the most important people and that they will do whatever they can to support us.” The need is great, the opportunity to meet it is greater Preston is one of an estimated 165,000 children inWashington state who PROVIDED BY WONDERLAND CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES Lauren and her son, Preston, who has been receiving services from Hope RISING Clinic since he was six months old. “I feel like every time we leave, we gain something. He is just being enriched by being there,” says Lauren. are impacted by prenatal substance exposure. Although PSE is four times more prevalent than autism, comprehensive services are lacking for children in this growing population. “There’s such a great need for more therapists, for more support for these families. I know I’m not alone,” says Lauren. “Donating toWonderland today will help them reach more families tomorrow.” Hope RISING Clinic has had a waitlist since opening its doors. “The need is outgrowing the resources — there’s simply not enough out there. These kids are the future. Investing in their health is vital to them as well as to the welfare of our communities,” she says. Your gift toWonderland allows us to serve more children and brings Hope RISING Clinic one step closer to meeting the need in our state.
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