Language and communication changes not well understood

The scoping review shows that language difficulties are common across DEEs including those in the DEE-SWAS family, but they vary widely.

Language can be affected across speaking, understanding, reading and writing. Some people have mild difficulties, while others lose language or are unable to communicate verbally.

In CSWS, difficulties can include meaning, communication and written language (including dyslexia and dysgraphia). In Landau–Kleffner syndrome, children may lose the ability to understand spoken language. In Dravet syndrome, language difficulties are often more severe.

The study found that in conditions like CSWS/ESES and Landau–Kleffner syndrome, language difficulties can continue into adulthood, but outcomes vary widely. Some adults recover well, while others have ongoing challenges with understanding, communication or written language that may not always be obvious.

Importantly, there is very little long-term research, and language is often not assessed in detail.

Study recommendations (from the paper, in plain language)

• Language should be assessed more carefully and in more detail, not just as part of general cognitive testing

• Research needs to include more adults and long-term follow-up

• Language difficulties should be recognised as a core part of these conditions and included in treatment planning

• More targeted language-based interventions should be developed and used

Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101635