The impact of childhood hypothalamic/chiasmatic brain tumors on child adjustment and family functioning

The relation between the adjustment of children treated for hypothalamic/ch iasmatic brain tumors and family functioning was examined. Participants wer e 29 children, ages 7 to 17 years, who were off treatment at least 6 months , and their mothers and fathers. Child adjustment was compared with 29 same -age survivors of other brain tumors and a normative sample. Results suppor t the presence of increased behavior problems and decreased social and acad emic competence in these particular brain tumor survivors compared with the normative sample. They did not differ significantly from other brain tumor survivors based on mother ratings. Decreased competence and increased emot ional and behavioral problems were related significantly to child, mother, and father reports of poorer family functioning. Older age at diagnosis, le ss perceived change in child due to tumor and treatment, and regular educat ion placement were related to higher child competence and better behavior b ut not to family functioning. These findings highlight the need for working with families to provide resources and skills in dealing with the social a nd behavioral changes that result from brain tumors and their treatment.