Can kids with kernicterus eventually talk, read or write?

Mostly not: Most of chidren who survived kernicterus-severe bilirubin toxicity-develop sensorineural hearing loss and athetoid type cerebral palsy which adversely affects coordination of fine movements. Neuronal damage in cerebral cortex often associated in kernicterus results in hampering of higher cognitive function.

No: Kernicterus is the worst outcome from severe hyperbilrubinemia. The damage to the nervous system is significant. These children have severe cerebral palsy and are very developmentally delayed.