ERIC Number: EJ1279571
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Dec
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
EISSN: N/A
Leukemia: What School Psychologists Should Know
Bolin, Courtney; Maricle, Denise E.
Communique, v49 n4 p10, 12-13 Dec 2020
Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and adolescents under the age of 19 (Mullin, 2018); but, due to scientific research and treatment advancements, there is an approximately 80% chance of survival from leukemia (Castillo, 2008). Most children receive a diagnosis of leukemia between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. The peak age of diagnosis is approximately 3 years old (Ries et al., 2007). A leukemia diagnosis has a psychological impact on the child and family (Sherief et al., 2015). Toddlers and preschool age children may develop anxiety because of separation from their parents while receiving treatment. School-age children may fear the pain and discomfort associated with treatment. These children may blame themselves or see their diagnosis of leukemia as a punishment. Older children and adolescents may fear their prognosis and the possibility to death (Castillo, 2008). Parents of children with leukemia may experience distress including but not limited to the stress of treatment, the uncertainty that their child may relapse, and potential adverse effects of chemotherapy and other medical interventions (Sherief et al., 2015). A diagnosis of leukemia may negatively impact the child's siblings. Siblings may be overlooked as the focus may be placed on the child with cancer and they may have the most significant behavioral problems at school. These children may be more likely to show signs of frustration, become socially withdrawn, perform poorly academically, or act aggressively towards peers (Keene, 2002). This article discusses what school psychologists should know about leukemia. It touches on the types of leukemia, symptoms, treatment, neurological sequelae, and how school psychologists can support children with leukemia and their families.
Descriptors: Cancer, School Psychologists, Children, Adolescents, Psychological Patterns, Student Needs, Family Environment, Student Behavior, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Intervention, Student Adjustment, Cognitive Ability, Special Needs Students, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Federal Legislation, Neurological Impairments, Hospitalized Children
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A