Language regression in childhood

Language regression is observed both in autistic regression and as part of acquired epileptic aphasia (Landau-Kleffner Syndrome). We prospectively ide ntified 177 children with language regression at four major medical centers , and their clinical characteristics were recorded. Their mean age at regre ssion was 22.8 months. The mean time-to-specialist referral was 38 months o f age. Most children (88%) met criteria for autism or manifested autistic f eatures, Males (P = 0.02) and children less than 3 years of age who regress ed (P = 0.016) had a higher probability of developing autistic behaviors. S eizures were more common in children who regressed after they reached 3 yea rs of age (P < 0.001), and children with seizures were less likely to have associated autistic regression (P < 0.001). Electroencephalogram abnormalit ies were reported in 37 % of patients and were more common in children with seizures (P < 0.001). At last follow-up, language function was impaired in 88% of the children, although some improvement was noted in 57%, We conclu de that the loss of previously acquired language at any age, even if that l anguage only includes a few words or communicative gestures, is often assoc iated with a more global regression in cognition and/or behavior and has se rious implications for future function. Early identification and referral o f these children is necessary to allow for diagnosis and intervention. <(c) > 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.