Abstracts

RATIONALE: Children with epilepsy as a group, have more behavioral problems and social isolation than children without epilepsy. Anecdotal reports and limited evidence suggest that children with epilepsy can benefit from attending a camp dedicated to their specific condition. Camp Great Rock is a condition-specific camp that positively impacts children with epilepsy.We prospectively studied children attending this dedicated camp and measured change in 4 domains over the past 3 years.
METHODS: Children attending Camp Great Rock, a 7-day, overnight camp were evaluated for changes in adaptive behaviors. The number of campers was: 1998: 44, 1999: 55, and 2000: 64. An average of 49% of the campers had epilepsy only; 40% had epilepsy and learning disabilities; 9% had mild MR and epilepsy; 2% were children of counselors. Return campers were evaluated longitudinally over 3 years. A modified Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale was used to assess social interactions including (responded appropriately to positive statements; showed a consistent friend preference; and initiated topics of interest); cooperation (participated in activities; helped with chores; and helped other campers in need) communication (labeled feelings; expressed anger appropriately; expressed thoughts and concerns) and responsibility (changed clothes when dirty; and straightened bunk without reminders). For each camper pre- and post-test scores were obtained for each question on the first and last day of camp by 2 counselors. A mean score was derived for each of the 27 questions that contributed to the 4 functional categories. A paired-sample t-test was performed to compare the pre- and post-test values for each of the mean scores.
RESULTS: Significant improvement in social interaction for all three years was consistently found: 1998: 33% of behaviors; 1999: 50%; and 2000: 67% (p [lt].05). Overall improvement in socialization was observed in each of 3 years (p [lt].01 to .0001). In the domain of cooperation, significant improvement (p [lt].05) was seen in 1998 (40%), 1999 (40%), and in 2000 (80%). In communication, significant improvement (p[lt].05) was observed in 1998 (40%), and in 2000 (60%). In the domain of responsibility, little change was observed. Returning campers (50%) showed a significant overall improvement in social interaction from post-camp one year to pre-camp the next, for the 3 years. Cooperation improved significantly in 1999-2000 for return campers.
CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive behaviors are important for all children and more so for children with epilepsy. Specialty camps designed for children with epilepsy can positively increase adaptive behaviors and improve social interactions. Notable was the significant and consistent improvement in social interaction in all 3 years. Furthermore, the benefit was sustained from year to year for return campers.
[Supported by: Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Childrens Hospital]