Child with Landau Kleffner Syndrome misdiagnosed as Autism: A case report Journal Article

Objectives:The aim of this single case study is to describe a child with Landau Kleffner Syndrome who misdiagnosed as a child with autism spectrum disorder. We also explore occupational therapy`s role in correct process for diagnosis and treatment. Method:Three times measurement with Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist was performed to measure severity of symptoms and compare treatment outcomes. Results:The outcome showed great improvements after pharmacotherapy. Discussion:Results of this study indicated that correct diagnosis, early detection and early intervention in this disorder are essential to reach a proper treatment. Of course, therapeutic team work is crucial as well. Occupational and speech therapy interventions can also been recommended as a helpful treatment to improve social and sensory-motor and communicative skills. Parent`s consultation should not be ignored to decrease parental stress.

1 University of social welfare and rehabilitation sciences, Tehran, Iran Objectives: The aim of this single case study is to describe a child with Landau Kleffner Syndrome who misdiagnosed as a child with autism spectrum disorder. In this case report we describe a child with landau-kleffner syndrome who misdiagnosed as a child with autism, then the occupational therapy roles will be explored in the process of child`s diagnosis and treatment. Case Report The patient was a 69 months old boy that was referred from child psychiatrist to occupational therapy clinic diagnosed with concurrent autism and ADHD on May 2012. Clinical assessments showed serious problems, some of these abnormalities included: Both verbal and non verbal aspects of communication affected seriously, the child had not proper eye contact with others but it seemed to be results of poor visual attention because he made rapid eye contact when need something, use repetitive and obscure speech with realistic speech content. Monthly clinical re-evaluations also did not show any significant improvement but pointed that some core futures of autism disorder such as insistence on sameness and repetitive movements had never been seen in the child. Based on our previous clinical experiences occupational therapy based on sensory integration techniques usually have great effects on children with autism but these techniques almost have no salient effects on this child until proper pharmacotherapy has prescribed. Clinical manual child neurologist and occupational and speech therapist decreases probable mistakes and result in true diagnosis and treatment.