Epilepsy in Children with ASD: An Overview of Evaluation Procedures, Child Characteristics and Treatment Options. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boothe, Anne; Zuna, Nina
• Is Part Of: International journal of disability, development, and education. Volume 66:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: ASD -- assessment -- autism -- epilepsy -- evaluations -- comorbid condition -- intervention -- treatment; People with disabilities -- Education -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Special education -- Periodicals; Education, Special -- Periodicals; 371.9
• DOI: 10.1080/1034912X.2018.1437893
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-912X

Abstract

Abstract: The rates of epilepsy among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are higher than that of the general population. The exact prevalence and aetiology of the comorbidity of autism and epilepsy are not well understood; however, the connection is well-documented. This common comorbidity makes the treatment of epilepsy increasingly complex for children with ASD. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the relevant literature for individuals with epilepsy with a particular focus on individuals with both ASD and epilepsy according to the following framework: (a) evaluation procedures, (b) child characteristics and outcomes and (c) treatment options. Thirty articles met specific inclusion criteria. Several treatment options for epilepsy in children with ASD were uncovered, including medications, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery. Still, more research is needed to identify comprehensive treatments that have been empirically proven to be successful for children with ASD.