At age 7, exposed children averaged IQs of 80.2, compared with 85.7 for the others. Both groups badly trailed middle-class norms, such as IQs of 100. But researcher Arendt hates to see hard childhoods made harder by crack. As the infants grow, it becomes harder and harder to separate the ills of nurture and nature, especially continuing drug use, which often fuels neglect and abuse. Professionals have long braced for an onslaught of exposed adolescents with problems typical of that age.
Adolescence is a common time to begin using harmful substances.
Experts say it is too soon to tell whether exposed children are more likely to use drugs or alcohol and stick with them, either because of exposure or genetic predisposition. Ted Schwarz has told his children to steer clear, just in case. But Raheem says he would play it safe regardless. He sometimes sees drugs on the street. That's what my dad tells me to do.