CDKL5 is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes signs of early-onset epilepsy. In fact 90% of children diagnosed with CDKL5 disorder are more likely to develop epilepsy. CDKL5 is derived from a gene and one of the most common causes of genetic epilepsy. Children diagnosed with CDKL5 also face many other developmental challenges as well.
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Facts
It is a neurodevelopment disease caused by the CDKL5 gene.
It impacts cognitive, motor, speech and visual function
It affects 1 in 40,000-60,000 children each year.
CDKL5 was previously called STK9
The disorder mainly affects females
The cause of CDKL5 deficiency disorder is unknown
Signs of CDKL5 deficiency includes epileptic seizures
Starting within hours of birth to 2 years of life, some children often go for 24 hours or more without sleeping.
Signs and Symptoms of CDKL5
- Early onset of epilepsy
- Impaired gross motor skills
- Impaired fine motor skills
- Global developmental delays and intellectual disabilities
- Swallowing and feeding difficulties
- Language and communication issues
Teaching Strategies
The following are teaching strategies that can used when teaching children with the CDKL5 disorder:
- Provide frequent breaks
- Use assistive technology
- Provide extra time
- Repeat directions
- Use concrete items when possible
- Break task into smaller steps
- Teach in sequence
- Use a multisensory approach
- Use hand-on material
Children's Hospital.org Genetic Home Reference International Foundation for CDKL5 Research Rare Diseases.org
