Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Epilepsy

Is there a link between autism and epilepsy?

“Patients with autism have a higher risk of developing epilepsy as compared to the general population risk, and a significant number of patients with epilepsy are also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,” says Rani Sarkis, MD, MSc, a neurologist and epilepsy specialist with the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. “The two conditions occurring together can pose additional challenges for patients and their families, but the good news is we’re well-equipped to give additional support to help them manage both.”

Dr. Sarkis cares for patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where a dedicated team of providers help patients with epilepsy manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. He explains the link between autism and epilepsy and answers frequently asked questions about their connection.

Defining epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder

• Epilepsy: Also called seizure disorder, epilepsy is an umbrella term that describes having more than two seizures in close succession without an apparent cause. As a result, multiple conditions can cause epilepsy, such as brain injuries or tumors, or genetic disorders, though sometimes doctors can’t identify a direct cause.
• Autism: This condition is more accurately known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a neurological and developmental disorder with a wide range of behavioral and developmental symptoms with marked impact on social skills. “We don’t know what causes autism. However, genetics seem to play an important role,” says Dr. Sarkis.

Is there a link between epilepsy and autism?

In the United States, about 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults have been diagnosed with ASD. Among people living with epilepsy, 1 in 5 also have ASD—almost 10 times higher than the national average.

Does epilepsy itself cause autism?

The link between autism and epilepsy still isn’t completely understood. Research has shown that seizures don’t directly cause autism.

It’s believed that autism and epilepsy share common causes—genetic conditions or early life brain injury, such as strokes or infection. In patients where the cause is unclear, there’s likely a genetic risk factor responsible for both conditions. In specific early life epilepsies, such as infantile spasms (a type of seizure that happens in babies), epilepsy might be a contributor to the overall brain dysfunction and eventual development of ASD.

Misidentifying symptoms of autism with seizures

Due to the many different symptoms and behaviors in autism and the many types of seizures, it’s possible to confuse one condition for the other. Specific examples include staring spells and repetitive, stereotyped movements. These are very common in ASD and might resemble some seizure types.

Someone could also have both conditions for a long time before a provider makes the second diagnosis.

Autism and epilepsy treatment

Treatment for epilepsy in patients with autism takes into account that behavioral side effects of certain medications are more likely. Certain epilepsy medications may be better than others if the person also has anxiety or a mood disorder.

People with autism receive the same kinds of behavioral and developmental support with or without epilepsy. However, people with both conditions may need more support to manage their symptoms than people with autism alone.

FAQs about epilepsy and autism

Is epilepsy common with autism?

Yes. Epilepsy occurs in people with autism at rates as high as 10 times higher than within the general population.

What is the comorbidity rate of autism and epilepsy?

Epilepsy and autism often occur in the same person. Reports of the comorbidity rate vary (meaning a person has two health conditions), but some studies show that 1 in 5 people with autism also have epilepsy and vice versa.

What is the highest comorbidity of autism?

Comorbidities are more common in autism than in the general population. The most common comorbidity for autism spectrum disorder is ADHD, but epilepsy is still a frequent comorbidity for autism.

If you or someone you know has epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer educational resources that help people understand the condition.