Adrenoleukodystrophy: a nursing challenge

Adrenoleukodystrophy has only recently been recognized as a disorder unique to children. Its debilitating sequelae have a profound impact on the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development of children. Superimposed on coping with the crisis of illness is the stressor of hospitalization, a common experience for children with adrenoleukodystrophy. This article focuses on nursing's contribution to facilitating children's adaptation to the stressors of a progressive disorder, adrenoleukodystrophy, and hospitalization. Utilizing a developmental approach, the psychosocial needs of these children are addressed in a format based on the nursing process.