01/06/2026
Nearly one-third of people with autism also have epilepsy. Researchers aren't sure why. For people on the spectrum, epilepsy can prompt unique challenges. Seizure symptoms can be misinterpreted as common autistic behaviors. Treatment may also be difficult due to the stress of a clinical setting, or the impact of anti-seizure medications on autism symptoms. Currently, some experts argue that there is a lack of research in assessing these care pathways.
To learn more about diagnosis and treatment for people with autism and epilepsy, ILAE Sharp Waves spoke to Dr. Colin Reilly and Dr. Stéphane Auvin in 2023. Listen to this encore episode at www.ilae.org/podcast/autism-encore.