This page covers autism as a co-occurring condition with epilepsy, and includes characteristics of autism, seizures, signs to look out for, diagnosis, treatment and sleep complications.
Autism and epilepsy
Autistic children are more likely to have epilepsy than non-autistic children. Children with epilepsy are more likely to be autistic than children who do not have epilepsy.
Around one in five children with epilepsy are autistic.
One study has found that autistic males are more likely also to have epilepsy.
But other studies have found that being male or female plays no significant part in autistic people also having epilepsy.
What are the characteristics of autism?
Autism affects people in different ways. There are, however, traits that autistic people may share:
- Challenges with social communication and social interaction
- Repetitive and restrictive behaviour
- Being over- or under-sensitive to light, sound, taste or touch
- Having highly focused interests or hobbies
- Extreme anxiety
- Meltdowns and shutdowns
You can find out about all of the above in much more detail from the National Autistic Society.
Does epilepsy cause autism?
There is no evidence that epilepsy or epileptic seizures cause autism epilepsy and autism may share a biological cause, though more research is needed.
Seizures and autism
Only a minority of autistic children will have seizures. No one type of seizure is associated with autism.
Signs to look out for
Some characteristics associated with autism can be confused with signs of seizures, such as:
- Staring without responding – could be a sign of absence or atypical absence seizures
- Making unusual short, rhythmic movements, such as shaking or twitching – could be a sign of focal seizures
- Stiffening – could be a sign of tonic seizures
- Loss of attention – could be a sign of focal seizures
If you notice any of the above in your child, you should consider seeing a specialist to check whether they’re having seizures. It’s always best to act, even if your concern is slight.
Find out more about seizures and seizure types.
Diagnosing epilepsy in autistic children
Diagnosing seizures or epilepsy is the same whether or not the child is autistic.
Find out more about diagnosing epilepsy.
Treating epilepsy in autistic children
Epilepsy in autistic children is not treated any differently than in children with epilepsy who are not autistic.
Treatment will include anti-seizure medications and, if those do not work, other treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation and the ketogenic diet.
Find out more about epilepsy treatments.
Sleep complications
Both autism and epilepsy can interfere with sleep. Poor quality sleep can worsen a child’s behaviour or ability to learn and could trigger more seizures.
If your child is experiencing problems with sleep, you should discuss it with your GP or healthcare team to see what can be done to help.
Find out more about monitoring seizures during sleep.
Find out more about treatment and support of co-occurring conditions with epilepsy.
More information on Autism
Ambitious About Autism
ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
National Autistic society
autism.org.uk
