Epilepsy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is often diagnosed alongside many other disorders, and epilepsy tends to be closely linked, with children with autism being slightly more likely to have epilepsy and vice versa (Khan, 2017). Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can be diagnosed at childhood, puberty, or adulthood. This article will guide you through understanding what epilepsy is, identifying common seizure triggers, and how a parent can help their child with epilepsy.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where there is an occurrence of seizures, as a result of repeated bursts of energy in the brain. However, not all autistic children develop seizures. According to a study published by Viscidi et al. (2013) wherein 6,000 autistic children were observed, around 12.5 percent of these children had epilepsy. The proportion rose to 26 percent in children who were over 13 years of age. This percentage is not exact, but it is observed to be around this range.
Further, seizures can be classified into three groups, generalized onset seizures, focal onset seizures - which are also sometimes called partial seizures - and unknown onset seizures (Kiriakopolous, 2017). This classification separates them into groups that are based on movements.
Generalized seizures happen when both sides of the brain are affected, and it can be classified into two different subtypes:
Motor Symptoms
Consistent rhythmic jerking movements of the body (clonic)
Muscles becoming limp or weak (atonic)
Muscles becoming tense or rigid (tonic)
Muscle twitching (myoclonus)
Epileptic spasms (consistent body flexes)
Non-Motor Symptoms
Absence seizures - where individuals tend to blank out and stare into space (staring spells)
Brief twitching of muscles (myoclonus) in a specific area (e.g., twitching of the eyelids)
In contrast, focal or partial seizures occur when only one area of the brain is affected. As a result, only one part of the body experiences a seizure, such as an arm or a leg.
Motor Symptoms
Consistent rhythmic jerking movements of the body (clonic)
Muscles becoming limp or weak (atonic)
Muscles becoming tense or rigid (tonic)
Muscle twitching (myoclonus)
Epileptic spasms (consistent body flexes)
Repeated automatic movements (e.g., clapping or rubbing of hands, lip smacking, running)
Non-Motor Symptoms
Changes in sensation, thinking/cognition, or emotions
Repeated automatic functions (e.g., cold or heat waves, goosebumps, heart racing)
Lack of movement (behaviour arrest)
Unknown Onset Seizure
Motor Symptoms
Tonic-clonic seizures– during a tonic-clonic seizure, the individual tends to experience whole body seizures, or lose consciousness, for under 5 minutes long. However, it can be dangerous if it goes on for over 5 minutes. Call for medical help if it lasts over 5 minutes or if the person gets injured.
Non-Motor Symptoms
Staring and absence of movement (behaviour arrest)
Epilepsy Triggers
Epileptic children who experience seizures have different triggers compared to one another, and it may be difficult to pinpoint what it is. It is recommended that parents keep a seizure journal, where they note down possible triggers when a seizure happens, and what time of day it occurs at. This can help the parent and child learn how to prevent future seizures.
So, what are some common triggers for epilepsy, and what are some ways to avoid a seizure?
Flashing lights
This trigger can be avoided by preventing your child from watching videos that contain flashing lights or fast-moving images, or not attending concerts that may have flashing stage lights.
Sleep deprivation or overtiredness
Make sure you build a bedtime routine with your child and that they are getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age group