.webp)
Key Takeaways
- Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder can co-occur. Adults with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than their neurotypical peers to experience seizures or to be diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Though both epilepsy and autism are marked by abnormal electrical brain activity, there is no research to suggest that the electrical activity from one condition causes the other condition to occur.
- Some types of seizures can cause symptoms that mimic autistic behaviors, such as sensory responses or changes in emotional state. Autistic adults and their loved ones must be aware of the signs and symptoms of seizures, so that they receive timely care.
- Medications, lifestyle changes and stress management can help treat seizures in autistic individuals.
Introduction: The intersection of autism and seizures
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seizures are two conditions that often overlap. Current research estimates that 26% of autistic individuals over the age of 13 also have epilepsy, compared to 1% of the non-autistic population. Understanding this link is crucial for improved diagnosis, care and quality of life.
While we know that there is a link between autism and seizures, particularly epileptic seizures, the reason for the link is still unclear. Since studies show that the siblings of autistic individuals are also more likely to have epilepsy, it’s hypothesized that epilepsy and ASD may share some of the same genetic markers. Further, up to 80% of autistic individuals, when given an EEG (a test that measures electrical activity in the brain), had abnormal results, even if they’d had no observable seizures. This means that both epilepsy and autism can cause abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
That said, while autistic people are more likely than neurotypical people to have epilepsy, and people with epilepsy are more likely to be autistic than someone without epilepsy, there is no research to suggest that one condition causes the other.
Recognizing and addressing seizures in autistic individuals can have a major impact on daily functioning, development and well-being. Awareness empowers families and professionals to seek appropriate interventions and advocate for supportive care strategies tailored to each person's needs. If you think you may have had a seizure, seek emergency medical care immediately and speak with your medical doctor, or physician about your concerns. The information provided below regarding seizures has not been reviewed for accuracy by a physician or medical provider and is not intended to serve as medical advice.
Understanding autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by differences in communication, behavior and sensory processing. While every autistic person is unique, some common characteristics include:
- Repetitive behaviors
- Intense interests
- Challenges in social interactions
- Sensory processing differences
Diagnosing autism involves a comprehensive process. Professionals may conduct behavioral observations, interviews, developmental screenings and even neurological assessments. The goal is to identify patterns in communication, behavior and sensory responses that align with established diagnostic criteria.
Recent research continues to expand our understanding of autism. This evolving body of knowledge emphasizes neurodiversity and strengths-based approaches rather than focusing solely on deficits.
Seizures in autistic individuals: symptoms and signs
There are two types of epileptic seizures: focal and generalized. Though the electrical signals that occur with seizures can move from one area of the brain to the other, seizures are classified based on where they start in the brain.
Focal seizures start in one area on one side of the brain. Signs of a focal seizure include:
- Involuntary or jerking movements of a body part
- Tingling and dizziness
- Seeing flashing lights
- Feeling as though things taste, smell, feel or sound different
- A sudden change in emotions
- Losing consciousness or awareness
- Staring into space
- Non-stimming repetitive behavior
Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain, and there are six types of generalized seizures, including:
- Absence seizures: During an absence seizure, a person will lose awareness, stare into space or “zone out”.
- Tonic seizures: A person having a tonic seizure will experience muscle stiffening, which sometimes causes them to fall to the ground.
- Atonic seizures: Atonic seizures are marked by sudden collapse
- Clonic seizures: A clonic seizure causes uncontrollable and jerky body movements, typically in the face, neck and arms. This is the type of seizure most people visualize when discussing epilepsy.
- Myoclonic seizures: Myoclonic seizures cause sudden, brief movements in the arms and legs.
- Tonic-clonic seizures: Tonic-clonic seizures cause abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking. They will sometimes cause loss of bladder control or behaviors like biting your tongue.
Some seizure types, such as absence seizures or focal seizures, may be mistaken for behavioral differences or sensory responses. Further, some seizures cause a change of emotions or an intense emotional response, which can be mistaken for an autistic meltdown. This overlap can make the identification of seizures more challenging in autistic individuals.
Moreover, for non-autistic individuals with epilepsy, the most common time to develop seizures is in the first year of life. Autistic individuals, however, can develop seizures in adolescence, during puberty or even in adulthood. In fact, the most common time for an autistic person to experience their first seizure is during their teenage years.
Recognizing these signs early is crucial. Left undiagnosed, seizures can affect learning, mood regulation and physical health. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and support better outcomes.
Diagnosis and management of autism and seizures
When autism and seizures co-occur, a coordinated diagnostic approach is essential. Neurologists, developmental pediatricians and epilepsy specialists often work together to diagnose epilepsy and seizure disorders. If you are an autistic adult who is experiencing seizures, or if you’re the loved one of an autistic adult experiencing seizures, making an appointment with a primary care physician or neurologist is a great first step. In some cases, you’ll need to get a referral from your primary care physician to see a neurologist.
While autism diagnoses rely on behavioral observations, interviews and psychological tests or questionnaires , diagnosing epilepsy includes blood tests, brain imaging, neurological exams and genetic screenings.
Seizure management typically involves medication, though treatment plans may also include behavioral interventions and lifestyle changes.
Support resources for parents and loved ones
Families and caregivers of autistic individuals with seizures face unique challenges. Thankfully, a variety of resources are available to help them navigate care and daily life.
The Epilepsy Foundation provides peer support, educational tools and crisis planning strategies. These communities help families connect with others who understand their experiences and share helpful insights.
Practical strategies are also important. Caregivers can benefit from learning seizure first aid, utilizing seizure tracking apps or devices, and establishing safety plans both at home and at school. Working with healthcare providers to monitor medication side effects and seizure patterns is part of effective ongoing care.
Learning your loved one’s triggers, seizure symptoms and treatment regimens is not only important to the autistic adult experiencing seizures, but it can also help provide a sense of preparedness that may ease anxiety.
Exploring medication management and alternative therapies
Medication is a primary tool for managing seizures in autistic individuals. There are several anti-seizure drugs available and the choice depends on seizure type, age, side effect profile and individual needs.
The most common side effects of anti-seizure medications include minor issues such as fatigue, dizziness and forgetfulness. However, side effects typically subside as you adjust to the medication. Because some side effects can be more severe, like suicidal ideation, it’s important to always monitor for changes in mood or behavior when starting a new medication and report any changes to your doctor right away
In addition to medication, alternative therapies are often part of a comprehensive care plan. Dietary changes like the ketogenic diet have shown benefits for some individuals with epilepsy. When selecting a treatment plan, families and professionals consider multiple factors, including:
- How well a treatment works
- Possible side effects
- How it fits into the individual’s lifestyle
A flexible, person-centered approach is key to successful outcomes.
How Prosper Health can help
Understanding the connection between autism and seizures is essential for improving care and quality of life.
Prosper Health provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy, which can help autistic individuals cope with stress caused by chronic illnesses, such as epilepsy. Navigating the neurotypical world is hard, especially when dealing with additional health struggles, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our therapists are standing by to provide individualized and compassionate care to neurodivergent adults. Contact us today to get started.
Related Posts
Autism and Trauma: How They Intersect and How to Manage Trauma-Related Stress
For many people, fully understanding an autism diagnosis means unpacking their relationship to trauma. This was true for me after I was diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in my late twenties.
Many autistic people experience trauma, which can affect them in distinct ways compared to neurotypical peers. For these individuals, digging into the relationship between autism and trauma can make a profound difference in regulating their nervous systems and improving their mental health. For me, my autism and CPTSD diagnoses have been equally revelatory and often intertwined. Exploring the relationship between the two has helped me better understand myself and tangibly improve my quality of life.
Read on to learn about the link between autism and trauma-related disorders, as well as how to cope.
Autism and Depression
Depression is one of the most common diagnoses to co-occur with autism spectrum disorder. As many as 40% of autistic individuals will have depression at some point during their lives. Researchers don’t have a definitive answer as to why––but many believe social stigma, mistreatment and insufficient support have to do with it.
Understanding the link between autism and depression can go a long way toward helping autistic individuals manage, or even move past, depression.
BPD vs Autism: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) differ primarily in their classification—autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and BPD is a personality disorder. They also diverge in several traits, though they share a number of surface similarities such as different ways of relating to other people. Both diagnoses are commonly misunderstood, making it important to distinguish between them to ensure autistic individuals and people with BPD receive meaningfully tailored support. Autism and BPD seem to co-occur at somewhat higher rates than other groups—although more research is required to determine how commonly they overlap—and individuals with either diagnosis can also benefit greatly from understanding the traits of each diagnosis.
