A quick search and you’ll find this from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will lead you to this, which I think is pretty clear.

Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a rare, childhood neurological disorder characterized by the sudden or gradual development of aphasia (the inability to understand or express language) and an abnormal electro-encephalogram (EEG). LKS affects the parts of the brain that control comprehension and speech. The disorder usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Typically, children with LKS develop normally but then lose their language skills for no apparent reason. While many of the affected individuals have seizures, some do not. The disorder is difficult to diagnose and may be misdiagnosed as autism, pervasive developmental disorder, hearing impairment, learning disability, auditory/verbal processing disorder, attention deficit disorder, mental retardation, childhood schizophrenia, or emotional/behavioral problems.

For bigger words, go here.

A few years back my nephew was diagnosed with LKS.

I had a great friend download a bunch of material for me and I’ve googled the crap out of LKS but it is still full of mystery. There is a support group in the UK called FOLKS. If ya know of one or wanna start one on this side of the pond, lemme know.

Earlier this year a friend of mine (my tech guy from the Fringe!) sent me this link to a story about Jenny McCarthy and her son. I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Truth is I did a bit of both. Here was LKS in a big spotlight but all people wanted to focus on was their opinions about Jenny McCarthy. Who I have to say, I just really want to meet and talk to. Maybe make dinner for her and my sister so they can chat!

If you have any news, info, stories, poetry, songs, art clippings, whatever regarding LKS please comment!

Lobe,

Becky