@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member how are things going for you?
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A MyEpile...
February 17
When I was a counselor at a camp for kids with epilepsy, I had quite a few campers with epilepsy and autism.
February 14
Yes it be linked .. we be having friends suffering both .. William and Jen💜💙
February 14
Yes, it can. There are a lot of people that have epilepsy and also have autism.
February 13
Yes, epilepsy and autism are linked. People with autism have significantly higher rates of epilepsy compared to the general population.
About 20 percent to 25 percent of people with autism also have epilepsy, while only about 1 percent of the general U.S. population has epilepsy. Among autistic children specifically Show Full Answer
Yes, epilepsy and autism are linked. People with autism have significantly higher rates of epilepsy compared to the general population.
About 20 percent to 25 percent of people with autism also have epilepsy, while only about 1 percent of the general U.S. population has epilepsy. Among autistic children specifically, estimates suggest that 20 percent to 40 percent eventually develop epilepsy.
The risk appears to peak twice: during the first year of life and again during adolescence. Several factors may explain this connection:
- Shared genetics: Research shows that autism and epilepsy share about 20 genes
- Intellectual disability: Autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities have higher epilepsy rates (about 22 percent) compared to those without (8 percent)
- Brain structure: Changes in brain areas like the hippocampus and amygdala may contribute to both conditions
- Certain genetic syndromes: Conditions like Rett, fragile X, Prader-Willi, and Angelman syndromes are linked to both autism and seizures
If you're caring for someone with autism, watch for seizure symptoms like jerking movements, stiffening, staring, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Treatment approaches may be tailored when both conditions are present.
February 13
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