Nov 06, 2023
The Bureau of Early Intervention (BEI) is designating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) with the associated ICD-10 code P96.1, described as neonatal withdrawal symptoms from maternal use of drugs of addiction, as a diagnosed condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay, which can be used to establish a child’s eligibility for the New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP).
For these children, as with all children with a confirmed disability (i.e., a diagnosed condition with a high probability of developmental delay), a full multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE) must be performed. The purpose of an MDE is to confirm the diagnosis through a review of appropriate medical or other records, with parent consent; and, to conduct an evaluation and assessment of all developmental domains to assist in the development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
It is important to note that for children who are found eligible for the EIP on the basis of a diagnosed condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay, such as NAS, a primary purpose of early intervention is to mitigate the impact of the condition on a child’s developmental progress. These children do not have to be experiencing developmental delays to receive specific services available under the EIP. In determining outcomes to be achieved for these children and the services needed to achieve child and family outcomes, the IFSP team should consider the potential impact of the condition on child development and functioning, as well as information on children’s developmental status obtained through the evaluation process.
Early Intervention can support families with children with NAS by:
- providing resources related to developmental conditions that may result from NAS, such as prematurity, seizures, gastritis, and failure to thrive;
- supporting the family by working with the child in their natural environment within the context of the child's and family’s daily routines and activities;
- supporting the family in identifying specific strategies and interventions to address the challenges many babies born with NAS may experience such as feeding, adapting to visual and auditory stimuli, sleeping, learning, and interacting with others; and
- connecting families to resources needed to address substance misuse, mental health, medical care, and other supports and services.
To learn more about NAS, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: About Opioid Use During Pregnancy | CDC.
If you have questions about this communication, please contact the Bureau of Early Intervention by email at beipub@health.ny.gov or by calling 518-473-7016.