What Parents Need to Know

Watching your child have a seizure is frightening. When your child is also autistic, it can feel overwhelming trying to understand what’s happening and how best to help. Many parents aren’t aware that autism and seizures can go hand in hand.

Recognizing the signs early and knowing what to do next can be a crucial part of keeping your child safe and well-supported.

Can autism and seizures occur together?

Yes. Seizures are more common in autistic individuals than in the general population. In fact, research suggests that up to 30% of autistic people will experience epilepsy at some point. 

For some, seizures may appear in early childhood, while for others they begin in adolescence. Sometimes, the onset of seizures may even lead to further investigations and a new autism diagnosis.

What do autism seizures look like?

Not all seizures are obvious. While some may involve convulsions, others, such as absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures), can look like daydreaming or stillness.

This can be particularly difficult to spot in autistic children. Behaviors like zoning out or repetitive movements may already be part of their usual way of coping or communicating.

Some types of seizures include:

• Tonic-clonic (grand mal): shaking, falling, and loss of consciousness
• Absence (petite): brief moments of unresponsiveness or blank staring
• Myoclonic: quick jerking movements, often in the arms or legs
• Focal seizures: can cause sudden emotions, unusual sensations, or confused behavior

Knowing what’s typical for your child helps you notice when something’s changed.

Early signs of epilepsy to look for

Parents often describe their first concerns as “something didn’t feel right.”

In autistic children, early seizure signs can include:

• Sudden pauses in activity or staring spells
• Brief muscle jerks, especially when falling asleep or waking up
• Unexplained mood changes or confusion
• Unusual fatigue or blank spells

Video recordings and note-taking can help you build a clearer picture to share with health professionals.

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Diagnosis and medical evaluation

If you suspect seizures, speak with your general practitioner or pediatrician. A referral to a neurologist is usually the next step.

You might be asked to describe what you’ve seen and bring along recordings if possible. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is commonly used to track brain activity and detect patterns.

Further investigations may include:

• MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests
• Developmental assessments, especially if autism hasn’t already been diagnosed

Bringing a diary of observed behaviors, times, duration, and what your child was doing before and after can be invaluable.

How seizures can affect autistic children

Seizures can impact more than just physical safety. They may affect memory, focus, mood, and energy. Your child may seem more tired or withdrawn after a seizure, or may struggle more with communication or sensory processing.

Living with both autism and epilepsy can be tough on the whole family. Parents often feel pulled in many directions, trying to manage school, healthcare, and emotional well-being. Siblings might also need space to ask questions and feel included in what’s going on.

Managing seizures in autistic children

Treatment is usually tailored to your child’s needs. Options may include:

• Anti-epileptic medication (AEDs): These are often the first line of treatment. Your doctor will help monitor for side effects, such as drowsiness or mood changes.
• Routine and predictability: Autistic children often feel safer with structure, and reducing stress can lower the likelihood of seizures.
• Lifestyle factors: Good sleep, a balanced diet, and managing sensory overload can all help.
• Regular reviews: Keep in touch with your medical team and update any action plans regularly.

Having a written seizure plan can help teachers, carers, and support workers respond calmly and consistently.

How parents can support their child

Parents play a vital role. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Keep records of any seizure activity, changes in mood or behavior, and possible triggers.
• Create and share an emergency plan, especially with schools and carers.
• Learn about your child’s medication, possible side effects, and what to do if a dose is missed.
• Build a support circle by talking to other parents, linking with local charities, or joining online forums.

Remember always to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your child best.

Awareness and early support make a difference

Seizures are often manageable. With the right support, your child can still enjoy friendships, learning, and meaningful experiences.

Don’t wait to ask questions or seek help; early awareness can lead to earlier interventions, better outcomes, and peace of mind for your family.

While autism and seizures can bring added complexity, they also bring out the strength, insight, and resourcefulness that many families never expected they’d have.

FAQs

Q: Are seizures and autism related?

A: Yes. Autistic individuals experience seizures more frequently than people in the general population.

Q: What are silent seizures in autism?

A: These usually refer to absence seizures. They’re brief episodes of blank staring or a lack of response. They can be hard to spot.

Q: Are autistic meltdowns like seizures?

A: No. Meltdowns are emotional reactions to overwhelm, not neurological events.

Q: Can stimming look like a seizure?

A: Sometimes. Stimming is a purposeful, repetitive behavior, whereas seizures are involuntary. Knowing your child’s baseline is key.

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