Misuse of opioid drugs during pregnancy could have lasting impact on child's development

(University of Maryland School of Medicine) Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine now have preliminary but striking evidence that suggests that such exposure can cause long-lasting impairment in the brain's ability to process sensory information. These impairments may give rise to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorders during adolescence. The landmark study was recently published in Journal of Neuroscience.