The loss of criteria for mental retardation and regression of symptoms of childhood autism during a five-year follow-up--a case report.

It is usually held that most individuals with childhood autism have poor prognosis. According to our knowledge, a favorable outcome of a child with childhood autism is quite rare and inspires a number of controversies. A 4-year-old boy was diagnosed with childhood autism and mild mental retardation. Interviews and findings reported by other specialists were used in the diagnosis and follow-up that lasted for five years, along with parental counseling and therapy. After three years, regression of the symptoms of childhood autism and loss of the criteria for mental retardation were observed. The difference between the second and first examination was 30 and 24 IQ points. The boy attends regular school with individual approach. Childhood autism and mental retardation should not be viewed as static conditions. Early and intensive therapy is recommended. Some children that make good progress can attend regular school.

Emotions and experiences of hospitalized school age patients.

The aim of the study was to assess how children and adolescents experience hospitalization and separation from their parents, their home and daily activities, in order to improve the psychosocial quality of hospital stay. Emotions and experiences reported by hospitalized children and adolescents are presented and discussed. First, the concept of fear, the areas of children's interests and their attitude towards staying at hospital for treatment are interpreted. Second, the methods used by medical staff to help children cope with this situation are pointed out. These methods include: 1) allowing parents to be near their children throughout the course of treatment; 2) providing a safe, cheerful, and helpful environment; and 3) giving children opportunities to learn and play. The program entitled For a Child's Smile in Hospital, launched at University Department of Pediatrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital, is presented. It is pointed out that giving children emotional support and information they can understand, and involving them in various activities can increase the children's positive interpretation of their disease and their stay at hospital, while also providing an insight into their self-concept as well as other thoughts and feelings. In addition, a review of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Neuropsychological functioning of children with brain tumors.

In the past few decades, the survivor rate from childhood cancers has significantly increased due to constant modifications and improvements in treatment protocols, so the estimates are that childhood cancer occurs in 1 per 600 children, and that 1 per 450 adolescents or young adults is a long-term cancer survivor. Nevertheless, radiation treatment is still a necessary option that certainly contributes to greater survival rate (75%), until new approaches to patients with malignant diseases are accepted. In our clinical practice, surgical treatment for malignant brain tumor is followed by radio- and chemotherapy tailored according to patient age and tumor type, position and size. During a six-year period, neuropsychological functioning was tested in 21 patients upon completion of treatment and retested in 19 patients in the stage of primary disease remission. Comparison of the test-retest results revealed some, statistically nonsignificant decline in full scale IQ, verbal and performance subscales, and graphomotor skills. However, the results showed a statistically significant improvement in several cognitive functions including short-term memory, information fund (suggesting long-term memory improvement), visuospatial functions measured by object assemble and block design subtests. There were no statistically significant differences between the patients younger and older than 7 years. Results also suggested an improved quality of recovery expressed by numerous school re-entries, without age or sex differences. Trials are continued to follow-up the possible long -term adverse effects of the aggressive oncologic therapy.