Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS)

What it is:
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome is a rare childhood neurological disorder where a child loses the ability to understand or use spoken language, often after previously normal development. It is sometimes associated with seizures.

What to look out for:
Students may suddenly stop speaking, have trouble understanding spoken instructions, or respond inappropriately to verbal questions. They may show frustration, anxiety, or withdrawal when trying to communicate.

Real-life example:
A student who could previously participate in class discussions suddenly cannot follow verbal instructions during a reading lesson. Written instructions or gestures must be used instead, and social interactions become challenging.

How it affects learning:
Loss of language skills makes traditional classroom learning extremely difficult. Students struggle with listening comprehension, participation, and social integration. Academic performance may decline sharply if alternative communication strategies are not provided.

Best learning strategies:

• Use visual supports, written instructions, and sign language if appropriate.

• Allow extra time for communication and responses.

• Incorporate speech and language therapy into the school routine.

• Reduce reliance on verbal instructions and emphasize multimodal learning.

• Provide emotional support to prevent frustration and anxiety from isolation.