A research team is calling for better ways of carrying out a dual diagnosis of autism and epilepsy.
Studies have suggested anywhere between 2 per cent and 46 per cent of autistic people suffer from epilepsy.
The research team’s call followed their investigation of a case involving a seven-year-old boy.
The boy saw a decline in his language and thinking skills after a seizure.
Diagnosed with dual conditions
Led by Professor Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa, of the International University of Valencia, the research team investigated the boy’s case and diagnosed him with the dual conditions of autism and epilepsy.
The scientists said future research should focus on developing evaluation tools for children who have both conditions.
The boy’s family told Cano-Villagrasa’s team that he developed ‘normally’ until he was five.
He liked to stack toys and would get upset if the arrangement was altered, but the family attributed his solitary play to his personality.
Seizure harmed boy’s skills
The boy had his first recorded seizure when he was six. This had a detrimental impact on his language and thinking skills.
The family also noticed that the boy showed more impulsivity and rigidity. In addition, he had problems with paying attention, which caused difficulties at home.
Cano-Villagrasa and his team said the case highlights “the difficulty in detecting ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and epilepsy, establishing an accurate early diagnosis for proper language competency intervention”.
His work calls for investment and research to improve diagnostic tools. He says this would improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and epilepsy.
‘Disoriented and confused’
Tom Shillito is the research manager at the charity Epilepsy Action.
He said people often feel “disoriented and confused” after a seizure, as well as having “memory problems”.
Shillito said it can be difficult to establish whether a seizure or other conditions were causing problems.
The research appeared in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
Related:
- New hope against drug-resistant epilepsy
- Fears as government sidelines epilepsy
- Epilepsy may be treated with supplement
- Drug may stop seizures leading to autism
Published: 3 February 2024
