Seizure Disorders in Autism

Several reports have suggested that autistic individuals are at greater risk for developing seizure disorders, particularly in adolescence. In this study the frequency of seizures in a series of 192 autistic individuals was examined; 21% of cases had exhibited a seizure disorder. Seizure disorders were more common among individuals with lower IQ. Age specific incidence revealed a 3− to 22-fold increase in risk for seizure relative to the normal population. In contrast to previous studies, risk for developing seizures was highest during early childhood although it was also elevated during early adolescence. Several reports have suggested that autistic individuals are at greater risk for developing seizure disorders, particularly in adolescence. In this study the frequency of seizures in a series of 192 autistic individuals was examined; 21% of cases had exhibited a seizure disorder. Seizure disorders were more common among individuals with lower IQ. Age specific incidence revealed a 3− to 22-fold increase in risk for seizure relative to the normal population. In contrast to previous studies, risk for developing seizures was highest during early childhood although it was also elevated during early adolescence.