Sixty-five children born to women who all used amphetamine during preg
nancy have been followed prospectively since birth 1976-77. They have
been tested and examined at one, 4 and 8 years of age. In addition, in
formation about the school situation was collected after 10 years. Twe
nty percent of the children were put in foster homes at birth, and aft
er 10 years 70% were in foster homes. The children showed a normal int
ellectual capacity. However, at 10 years of age 8 children (12%) atten
ded one class below what was normal for their biological age (normal i
n Sweden < 5%). At 4 years of age 35% had an aggressive behaviour and
at 8 years 23%. There was a statistically significant correlation betw
een aggressive behaviour and amphetamine exposure during fetal life. A
t both 4 and 8 years of age 40% were considered to have a poor adjustm
ent, which correlated with socio-environmental factors. Lower values f
or weight and length also showed a correlation with socio-environmenta
l factors. The study shows that amphetamine abuse during pregnancy wil
l influence development of exposed children at least up to the age of
10 years.