The Link Between Autism and Seizures

There has always been a strong association between autism and seizures. In fact, it’s estimated that 33 percent of people with epilepsy also meet the diagnostic criteria for an autism spectrum disorder, although some studies suggest the prevalence to be as high as 46 percent. Additionally, researchers have found that epilepsy is more common in people who also have autism and conversely, autism is more common in those who have epilepsy. Other notable data points include:

• Seizures are the most common neurological complication in those with ASD
• Seizures are the leading cause of mortality in adults with ASD
• Co-morbidity rates of autism and epilepsy are much higher in those with intellectual disabilities and/or lower IQs
• Females with autism have an increased risk of epilepsy versus their male counterparts

Epilepsy in those with autism may first occur in childhood and manifest as a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are not uncommon among children, even those without autism. However a complex febrile seizure is more of a cause for concern in children with autism and may indicate that epilepsy is present. A complex febrile seizure is defined as more than one seizure occurring within a 24-hour period, during the same illness and/or a seizure lasting longer than 15 minutes.

The co-existence of both epilepsy and autism can be devastating for families and loved ones. However, it is important to remember that epilepsy is a condition that can often be treated and controlled with the appropriate medication.

If a loved one suffers a seizure, there are some important things to keep in mind, which include:

• Remove any nearby objects that will cause bodily injury
• Protect the person’s head with a pillow, cushion, towel, or any other soft object
• Carefully and gently place the person on their side
• Do not attempt to move the victim to another location
• Do not put anything is the person’s mouth, including any water or fluids while the seizure is still occurring
• Stay calm. Witnessing a seizure can be extremely frightening and traumatic, especially when it happens to a loved one

For more information on seizures and epilepsy, visit https://www.epilepsy.com/.

The connection between autism and epilepsy is a widely researched subject that’s still evolving. And while there appears to be a wide variance of opinions within the medical community, there is an undoubted connection between the two that warrants further attention, research and study in the future.

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