METHOD
12 Week Cortical Integrative Therapy program
RESULTS
At the conclusion of the twelve-week treatment program, O.C.’s auditory processing improved significantly.
By the end of the treatment, O.C. showed overall improvement in her language, auditory, and motor skills. She was now able to unlock doors and button and unbutton her clothing, which were both tasks not performed by her prior to the treatment. Subjectively, O.C. was able to make concise statements and more clearly express her needs.
Upon completion of the treatment program, O.C. was evaluated by a school-based evaluation team who reported that she is an emergent reader who is able to answer questions orally. The evaluation also noted that O.C. consistently listens and follows direction.
DISCUSSION
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is often associated with major behavior problems such as hyperactivity, attention deficit, or aggressivity and may have more general cognitive impairments in additions to the basic verbal communication problem (Deonna, 2000). The LKS symptoms that presented originally with abrupt disruption in language function after normal development had been associated, prior to treatment, with electroencephalographic abnormality, seizure activity, inability to read, and impairment in motor skills. A multi-modal approach using techniques purportedly aimed at facilitating inter-hemispheric communication was provided. At program completion, EEG was controlled, reading, language, auditory processing, and objective behavioral-social measures improved.