Language Loss in Children with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
LKS (Landau-Kleffner Syndrome) is a rare brain syndrome characterized by loss of speech and seizures during sleep. It commonly occurs in male children aged between 3 and 7 years. Children born with LKS use normal speech. However, they can gradually or immediately become unable to talk or understand the language. A speech specialist near me explains that this is not because of hearing loss and the condition is also not a form of autism. In LKS, the brain is no longer able to process sounds or words as it used to. Having seizures may also be one of the reasons why many children develop speech problems as well.
How It Affects Communication
Speech fails when the brain is incapable of processing language. A child can remain silent or have difficulties in following simple instructions. Others write with fewer words. Others pretend to be deaf. It is usually frightening to families when this occurs abruptly. Moreover, this can occur over a prolonged period or in a few days. The brain development may also be disturbed because of the seizures and contribute to the severity of the speech loss, a speech specialist near me explains.
Clues Your Child May Be Struggling
The beginning stages of LKS are easily overlooked. However, a speech specialist near me says there are certain signs you need to watch out for. This can be acute loss of speech, silence, and ignoring when being called. Additionally, it can also manifest as difficulty in following simple instructions as well as behavioral or sleep changes. A speech specialist says that this usually is accompanied by epilepsy or staring fits. Often misdiagnosed as hearing impaired or Autism, proper diagnosis could be obtained by a brain scan (EEG).
Get Help from a Speech Specialist near me
Speech therapy helps children gradually regain the communication abilities they once had. This means a speech specialist near me can help rebuild skills lost. This may have been affected or lost due to a medical condition or developmental delay. Therapists also help children learn the meaning of words and enable them to express themselves once again. In cases like this, support can involve easy language games, image cards or graphical aids. Lastly, they can also machines to assist with speech development.
However, since every child is different, a speech specialist near me forewarns that some may improve slowly while some do not. The process of therapy creates confidence regardless of the speed.
What You’ll See in a Session with a Speech Specialist near me
The treatment is pleasant and child-friendly. They can be in song form, flashcards, or turn-taking games. The goal is to increase awareness and promote communication. Therapists are also working with parents to achieve good results. They will teach you how to use these tools at home to facilitate development.
Getting Help Matters
Do not delay getting help when your child ceases to speak, or appears puzzled by words. The sooner the better. Here at Speech Link, we serve those children with very rare conditions, such as LKS. Together we can revive the communication–one step at a time.