Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAutism-Epilepsy ConnectionResearch FindingsTypes of SeizuresSeizure Symptoms in AutismDiagnosisTreatmentLiving With Epilepsy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Autism-Epilepsy Connection
Research Findings
Types of Seizures
Seizure Symptoms in Autism
Diagnosis
Treatment
Living With Epilepsy
Epilepsy(a seizure disorder) andautism(a spectrum ofneurodivergentconditions of varying intensity) are both neurological disturbances that often occur together. Researchers do not yet know why these conditions are linked, though there is increasing evidence of a genetic cause.
A review of studies including 283,549 people found that 12% of autistic people also were diagnosed with epilepsy, while 9% of people with epilepsy were also diagnosed with autism. While autism is more common in assigned males, seizures seem to occur more often in autistic females.Siblings of autistic children are more likely to have epilepsy, too.
This article explores some of these findings about autism and epilepsy. It also offers information about steps to take if you think your autistic child is having seizures.
What Is the Autism-Epilepsy Connection?
Epilepsy is significantly more prevalent in autistic people, but autism is also about 10 times more likely in people with epilepsy when compared with the general population.It can be difficult to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in autistic people because autism traits and seizure disorder symptoms look so similar. Specifically, both autism and epilepsy can present with:
Despite these confounding factors, researchers have discovered some interesting facts that may lead to a better understanding and treatment of both autism and epilepsy. They include a finding that the intensity of symptoms may increase the likelihood of developing epilepsy due to:
The presence of motor (mobility) challenges also contributes to an increased possibility of seizures.
Risk Factors
Exploring the Autism-Epilepsy Connection
The unusual co-occurrence between autism and epilepsy has led researchers to explore the possible connections between the two disorders, asking questions such as:
While findings are not conclusive, there are some intriguing research results.
Could Epilepsy and Autism Share a Common Cause?
In some cases, the causes of epilepsy and autism are well known. For example, some cases of epilepsy are the result of brain injury, while some cases of autism are the result of a genetic disorder. Many cases of both disorders, however, are idiopathic—meaning of unknown origin.
Research studies have explored the possibility that, in at least some cases, autism and epilepsy may have the same cause or causes.The outcomes suggest that this may be true and that both genetic and environmental causes could be implicated.
About one in five people are now diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder based on next‐generation gene sequencing (NGS) results.Researchers continue to identify genetic patterns and links between autism and epilepsy.
Could Epilepsy Cause Autism or Vice Versa?
While there is no obvious way that autism could cause epilepsy, there are several studies that suggest that epilepsy could be one cause of autism.
Severe epileptic seizures in infants and very young children (especially those called infantile spasms) can negatively impact the developing brain. If the seizures are treated surgically, the outcome is improved social behavior and higher IQ.
One study is exploring the possibility that treatments to avoid seizures in high-risk infants with tuberous sclerosis could lower the likelihood of developing autism later in life.
One severe epilepsy disorder calledLandau-Kleffner syndromeis known to cause developmental regression and autistic-like traits.
Could Epilepsy Treatments Be Effective for Autism?
One of the most frustrating aspects of autism is that there are no drugs that seem to treat its core traits. As a result, autism is treated with medications to reduce anxiety and improve attention, and with therapies to help build social communication skills.
But if there is a strong correlation between epilepsy and autism, the possibility exists that epilepsy treatments could be effective for autism. For example, one study found that valproate, an anti-seizure medication, seemed to reduce irritability in young autistic children with epilepsy.Another study is looking at the impact of anti-seizure medications on autistic children who do not have obvious symptoms of epilepsy.
What Type of Seizures Can You Have With Autism?
There is no specific type of seizure that occurs more often in autistic people. The seizures can be focal (isolated to one area of the body) or generalized (affecting more or all of the body).
Common seizure types that may be seen in autistic people include:
Seizures are not necessarily more severe in autistic people overall, but there is a higher rate of death associated with these seizures.
Are the Symptoms of Autism Similar to the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
It can sometimes be difficult to separate epilepsy symptoms from autistic traits such asstimming(perseverative behaviors that include rocking, tapping, flicking, or pacing), especially if a child is non-verbal.
In some cases, seizures are visually obvious: a child hasconvulsions, becomes rigid, or loses consciousness. Other symptoms may be more subtle. Be sure to watch for:
Emotional changes, or changes in thinking and mental status, also can happen with seizures.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed if You Have Autism?
If you (or a teacher or therapist) suspect epilepsy, it’s important to have your child evaluated and, if necessary, treated for seizures:
How Is Epilepsy Treated if You Have Autism?
These drugs may control the seizures, however, many have significant side effects. It is important to carefully monitor the impact of drugs to be sure that the treatment is not more problematic than the disorder it is treating.
The Epilepsy Foundation notes that managing epilepsy in autistic people is no different than when the seizure disorder occurs in other people. Options beyond anti-seizure drugs include:
However, with advances in genetic medicine, researchers are learning more about the links between epilepsy and other neurological disorders like autism. They’ve identified several genes involved in these patterns, and one study estimates a third of all children with epilepsy (including autistic kids) could benefit from precision (personalized) medicine based on genetics.
2:13The Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy
2:13
The Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy
While many people with epilepsy can control their seizures through medication, others live with uncontrolled seizures. If your child’s seizures are controlled through medication, you’ll need ongoing visits with your child’s neurologist to adjust medication or address side effects.
If your child’s seizures are not controlled, you will need to address the issue and take specific precautions. Specifically, children with epilepsy may:
In addition, you will need to address safety and wellness issues with teachers, aides, and therapists who work with your child.
Summary
Autistic people often are diagnosed with epilepsy, and people with epilepsy may be more likely to have autism. There are similarities in the traits and symptoms, so it can help to know how to identify what a child or loved one is experiencing.
In some cases, there’s an underlying genetic condition that contributes to autism and/or epilepsy, and researchers are learning more about these genetic links and potential treatments. Your healthcare provider can ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out for support from your healthcare team and the broader community. Your contacts can recommend therapists, school programs, and other resources.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lukmanji S, Manji SA, Kadhim S, Sauro KM, Wirrell EC, Kwon CS,et al.The co-occurrence of epilepsy and autism: A systematic review.Epilepsy Behav. 2019;98(Pt A):238-248. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.037Autism Research Institute.Autism and Seizures.Lee BH, Smith T, Paciorkowski AR.Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology.Epilepsy Behav. 2015;47:191–201. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.03.017Ewen JB, Marvin AR, Law K, Lipkin PH.Epilepsy and Autism Severity: A Study of 6,975 Children.Autism Res. 2019 Aug;12(8):1251-1259. doi:10.1002/aur.2132.Stefanski A, Calle-López Y, Leu C, Pérez-Palma E, Pestana-Knight E, Lal D.Clinical sequencing yield in epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Epilepsia. 2021 Jan;62(1):143-151. doi: 10.1111/epi.16755.Besag FM.Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;14:1–10. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120509Coleman DM, Adams JB, Anderson AL, Frye RE.Rating of the effectiveness of 26 psychiatric and seizure medications for autism spectrum disorder: Results of a national survey.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(2):107–123. doi:10.1089/cap.2018.0121Epilepsy Foundation.Epilepsy and Autism: Is There a Relationship?Epilepsy Foundation.Types of Seizures.Truty R, Patil N, Sankar R, Sullivan J, Millichap J, Carvill G,et al.Possible precision medicine implications from genetic testing using combined detection of sequence and intragenic copy number variants in a large cohort with childhood epilepsy.Epilepsia Open. 2019 Jul 1;4(3):397-408. doi:10.1002/epi4.12348.Additional ReadingLamb GV, Green RJ, Olorunju S.Tracking epilepsy and autism.Egypt J Neurol Psychiatry Neurosurg2019;55,55. doi:10.1186/s41983-019-0103-x
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lukmanji S, Manji SA, Kadhim S, Sauro KM, Wirrell EC, Kwon CS,et al.The co-occurrence of epilepsy and autism: A systematic review.Epilepsy Behav. 2019;98(Pt A):238-248. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.037Autism Research Institute.Autism and Seizures.Lee BH, Smith T, Paciorkowski AR.Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology.Epilepsy Behav. 2015;47:191–201. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.03.017Ewen JB, Marvin AR, Law K, Lipkin PH.Epilepsy and Autism Severity: A Study of 6,975 Children.Autism Res. 2019 Aug;12(8):1251-1259. doi:10.1002/aur.2132.Stefanski A, Calle-López Y, Leu C, Pérez-Palma E, Pestana-Knight E, Lal D.Clinical sequencing yield in epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Epilepsia. 2021 Jan;62(1):143-151. doi: 10.1111/epi.16755.Besag FM.Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;14:1–10. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120509Coleman DM, Adams JB, Anderson AL, Frye RE.Rating of the effectiveness of 26 psychiatric and seizure medications for autism spectrum disorder: Results of a national survey.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(2):107–123. doi:10.1089/cap.2018.0121Epilepsy Foundation.Epilepsy and Autism: Is There a Relationship?Epilepsy Foundation.Types of Seizures.Truty R, Patil N, Sankar R, Sullivan J, Millichap J, Carvill G,et al.Possible precision medicine implications from genetic testing using combined detection of sequence and intragenic copy number variants in a large cohort with childhood epilepsy.Epilepsia Open. 2019 Jul 1;4(3):397-408. doi:10.1002/epi4.12348.Additional ReadingLamb GV, Green RJ, Olorunju S.Tracking epilepsy and autism.Egypt J Neurol Psychiatry Neurosurg2019;55,55. doi:10.1186/s41983-019-0103-x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lukmanji S, Manji SA, Kadhim S, Sauro KM, Wirrell EC, Kwon CS,et al.The co-occurrence of epilepsy and autism: A systematic review.Epilepsy Behav. 2019;98(Pt A):238-248. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.037Autism Research Institute.Autism and Seizures.Lee BH, Smith T, Paciorkowski AR.Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology.Epilepsy Behav. 2015;47:191–201. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.03.017Ewen JB, Marvin AR, Law K, Lipkin PH.Epilepsy and Autism Severity: A Study of 6,975 Children.Autism Res. 2019 Aug;12(8):1251-1259. doi:10.1002/aur.2132.Stefanski A, Calle-López Y, Leu C, Pérez-Palma E, Pestana-Knight E, Lal D.Clinical sequencing yield in epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Epilepsia. 2021 Jan;62(1):143-151. doi: 10.1111/epi.16755.Besag FM.Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;14:1–10. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120509Coleman DM, Adams JB, Anderson AL, Frye RE.Rating of the effectiveness of 26 psychiatric and seizure medications for autism spectrum disorder: Results of a national survey.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(2):107–123. doi:10.1089/cap.2018.0121Epilepsy Foundation.Epilepsy and Autism: Is There a Relationship?Epilepsy Foundation.Types of Seizures.Truty R, Patil N, Sankar R, Sullivan J, Millichap J, Carvill G,et al.Possible precision medicine implications from genetic testing using combined detection of sequence and intragenic copy number variants in a large cohort with childhood epilepsy.Epilepsia Open. 2019 Jul 1;4(3):397-408. doi:10.1002/epi4.12348.
Lukmanji S, Manji SA, Kadhim S, Sauro KM, Wirrell EC, Kwon CS,et al.The co-occurrence of epilepsy and autism: A systematic review.Epilepsy Behav. 2019;98(Pt A):238-248. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.037
Autism Research Institute.Autism and Seizures.
Lee BH, Smith T, Paciorkowski AR.Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology.Epilepsy Behav. 2015;47:191–201. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.03.017
Ewen JB, Marvin AR, Law K, Lipkin PH.Epilepsy and Autism Severity: A Study of 6,975 Children.Autism Res. 2019 Aug;12(8):1251-1259. doi:10.1002/aur.2132.
Stefanski A, Calle-López Y, Leu C, Pérez-Palma E, Pestana-Knight E, Lal D.Clinical sequencing yield in epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Epilepsia. 2021 Jan;62(1):143-151. doi: 10.1111/epi.16755.
Besag FM.Epilepsy in patients with autism: links, risks and treatment challenges.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;14:1–10. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120509
Coleman DM, Adams JB, Anderson AL, Frye RE.Rating of the effectiveness of 26 psychiatric and seizure medications for autism spectrum disorder: Results of a national survey.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(2):107–123. doi:10.1089/cap.2018.0121
Epilepsy Foundation.Epilepsy and Autism: Is There a Relationship?
Epilepsy Foundation.Types of Seizures.
Truty R, Patil N, Sankar R, Sullivan J, Millichap J, Carvill G,et al.Possible precision medicine implications from genetic testing using combined detection of sequence and intragenic copy number variants in a large cohort with childhood epilepsy.Epilepsia Open. 2019 Jul 1;4(3):397-408. doi:10.1002/epi4.12348.
Lamb GV, Green RJ, Olorunju S.Tracking epilepsy and autism.Egypt J Neurol Psychiatry Neurosurg2019;55,55. doi:10.1186/s41983-019-0103-x
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