08/14/2026
Many people with autism experience epilepsy.
Spotting epilepsy in children can be challenging, but when a child is on the autism spectrum, it becomes even more complex due to overlapping symptoms and communication barriers.
Public perception of seizures is heavily distorted by how television and film depict epilepsy. Because we expect shaking on screen, subtle seizures go unrecognized.
Some spells are not dramatic; they tend to pass unnoticed by parents and other caregivers for a long time.
Medical organizations use specific indicators or warning signals to justify ordering a formal neurological check, such as an Electroencephalogram (EEG) or pediatric neurology consultation.
WARNING SIGNALS TO WATCH FOR:
- Sudden 5-20 second “zoning out” where your child stops moving and does not react to their name or a gentle touch on their arm/shoulder.
- A sudden, unexpected drop of the head or total collapse of the body to the floor without tripping.
- Unconscious, repeated movements during a period of unresponsiveness - such as lip-smacking, chewing when not eating, or rapid eyelid fluttering.
- A sudden, unexplainable loss of previously acquired speech, motor abilities, or communication skills.
- Extreme disorientation, fatigue, unsteadiness, or anxiety immediately following a suspicious episode.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE THESE SIGNS:
1. Observe: Keep an eye out for any other signals or unexplained motor changes.
2. Document: Note the duration, frequency, and time of day the episodes occur.
3. Record Video: Focus on the eyes and face first, then show the whole body. Call their name and gently touch their shoulder on camera. Keep recording for 1–2 minutes after the episode ends.
Video evidence is one of the most powerful tools a pediatrician or neurologist uses to evaluate.
—
