COGNITIVE, NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL, AND ACADEMIC SEQUELAE IN CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA

The literature concerning the cognitive and neuropsychological sequelae of children in whom leukemia has been diagnosed indicates that these children exhibit deficits in cognitive and neuropsychological functioning and academic achievement in response to the iatrogenic effects of central nervous system (CNS) irradiation. Preliminary studies suggest that similar emanative effects may follow intrathecal chemotherapy, an alternative to CNS irradiation for children given a favorable prognosis. It is concluded that treatment advances have lengthened the life expectancy of many children with leukemia, thereby changing their prognosis to a more favorable one. This has resulted in a recognition of the difficulties accompanying school reentry. In light of their documented neuropsychological, academic, and social adjustment problems, many of these children require special education services.