Seizures and Epilepsy—Autism Toolkit

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is defined as 2 or more seizures when the child does not have a fever or another medical reason for the seizure.

How common are seizures in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

About 1 in 4 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seizures. Seizures usually start in early childhood or the early teen years. Children with ASD who have a lower IQ or cannot speak have the highest risk for seizures.

How does a doctor diagnose seizures?

Children with ASD often have repetitive movements and staring episodes. A doctor can often tell which repetitive behaviors might be seizures. A test called electroencephalography (EEG) can record electrical activity in the brain and help a doctor check for seizures. Electroencephalography can record a seizure that happens only when the EEG equipment is on your child. The EEG cannot record seizures that happen at other times. Sometimes, it is necessary to do EEG over a longer period of time to see if movements or spells are seizures.

Should every child with ASD have electroencephalography?

Most children with ASD do not need EEG. A doctor will likely ask for an EEG if a child is having spells that the doctor thinks are seizures or if a child has recently lost language or other skills. Electroencephalography is usually done with the child awake and then asleep. There are different types of EEGs, some completed during a shorter visit to the hospital, others done overnight in the hospital or at home. The doctor will decide the type of EEG that is appropriate for each child.

How are seizures treated?

In most cases, medicines called anticonvulsants can help control seizures. These medicines can usually lower the number of seizures, but they cannot always get rid of them. Some children have EEG results that are not normal, but they do not have obvious seizures. It is not yet clear if in those situations anticonvulsants can help.

One of 2 specific types of cannabidiol oil (known as CBD oil) is now US Food and Drug Administration approved for treatment of seizures in children with 2 kinds of severe epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes). Cannabidiol oil is not approved for management of ASD in children who do not have these specific conditions.

For more information about seizures, contact the Epilepsy Foundation ( www.epilepsyfoundation.org ).