Sample “Controversy”

For Textbook Review Sheet

2/12/05

I identified a controversy in the section on Problems in Prenatal Development. It discussed many types of risk factors and how they affect a child’s development. The risk factors discussed were alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. I focused on the section on cocaine which stated over half of newborns are affected by drugs. I came upon two theories about child’s development after consuming cocaine. One theory is that a child’s development after consuming cocaine will overtime not be a problem. Chiriboga states, “The long-term effects of pre-natal cocaine exposure are not yet clear. Some studies suggest that many of the early behavioral effects….diminish over time (p103).” The opposing study believes a child’s development will be affected by the consumption of cocaine. Bandstra states, “Longitudinal studies have found evidence of continuing cognitive, attentional and language deficits, behavior problems, and difficulty with social relationships in early and middle childhood (p103).” I agree with both Bandstra and Chiriboga because I know a child is born with complications if he/she has consumed drugs. For some children their development will forever be affected. For other children their development will be affected, but over time they will improve.