B – 2 Language consistency across interactional context and verbal outcomes in pediatric brain tumor (PBT)

Abstract Objective Children from diverse cultural backgrounds may prefer a different language than their parents, which can contribute to poorer verbal skills. Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) also increases risk for language challenges. This study explores differences in verbal outcomes between patients with PBT based on interactional context: consistent preferred/home language and discrepant preferred/home language. The authors hypothesized increased language challenges among patients with discrepant language. Method 144 patients with PBT underwent neuropsychological evaluation. Language/communication was assessed by word knowledge (Wechsler Vocabulary) and parent-reported functional communication (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Third Edition; ABAS-3 Communication) scaled scores (x̅=10, SD=3). ABAS-3 General Ability Composites (GAC) were also collected to ensure primary findings were not due to parent-report bias. A cross-sectional research design with analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to compare outcomes between three groups: 89 patients with consistent English preferred/home language, 11 with consistent non-English preferred/home language (64% Spanish, 36% Other), and 44 with discrepant preferred (English)/home language (59% Spanish, 41% Other). Results Vocabulary [F(2,120)=10.562, p=.00006] and Communication [F(2,126)=4.382, p=.014] differed between groups. Patients with consistent language had better vocabulary (x̅ =10.3 vs. 7.6) and parent-reported communication (x̅ =9.2 vs. 7.8) than those with discrepant language. GACs were similar between groups [F(2,127)=0.644, p=.527], suggesting communication findings reflect reduced opportunities to converse at home as opposed to differences in parent report. Conclusion Findings suggest language consistency across interactional contexts is associated with better verbal outcomes among patients with PBT. Further exploration of additional language opportunities for patients with discrepant preferred/home language may help mitigate effects of PBT and associated treatments.