The Effectiveness of a Hospital-Based School Liaison Program: A Comparative Study of Parental Perception of School Supports for Children With Pediatric Cancer and Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Childhood survivors of central nervous system (CNS) cancers (defined as cancers whose diagnosis or treatment affect the CNS) are at increased risk for educational related difficulties, as are children affected by neurofibromatosis type 1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of and satisfaction with a model of psychoeducation, consultation, and advocacy provided by a School Liaison Program (SLP) for families and schools of children with CNS-involved cancers compared with a control group of parents of children with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 who did not receive school-based services. Results indicated significant between-group differences in parents' belief that their child is meeting academic potential, with parents who received SLP services reporting greater satisfaction with their child's progress, better understanding of their child's learning needs, and an increased ability to access school supports. The strong, positive impact associated with the consultation, psychoeducation, and parental advocacy training provided by the SLP suggests that a similar model of care would potentially benefit other groups of children whose neurocognitive functioning is compromised by chronic medical conditions.

Supporting pediatric cancer survivors with neurocognitive late effects: a model of care.

Educational difficulties are common for childhood survivors of central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Children who have been treated for brain tumors and those who have received treatments involving the CNS are at increased risk of developing neurocognitive late effects including difficulties with attention, executive functioning, speed of processing, and academic functioning. These children are also at risk for difficulties with social functioning and social isolation. This hospital's School Liaison Program (SLP) provides ongoing psychoeducation, advocacy, and consultation services for parents, schools, and medical staff to address the educational needs associated with the late effects of treatment for pediatric CNS-involved patients. This article provides an overview of the SLP model of care and discusses parent-perceived quality and program effectiveness. In general, parents attributed SLP involvement to improved academic performance, home-school communication, and school-level understanding of unique student cognitive profiles and learning needs.

Cerebellar mutism after posterior fossa tumor resection: case discussion and recommendations for psychoeducational intervention.

Cerebellar mutism (also known as posterior fossa syndrome) is a relatively common complication of posterior fossa surgery for primary brain tumors in children. Many children with cerebellar mutism experience long-term adverse neurological, cognitive, and psychological sequelae and require extensive interdisciplinary support. This study illustrates a typical case of cerebellar mutism in a child after resection of medulloblastoma, followed by a review of associated symptoms, clinical course, and modulating factors. Additionally, recommendations for providing educational support to children with cerebellar mutism are explored.