Autism and epilepsy: Cause, consequence, comorbidity, or coincidence?

Autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy

“…The prevalence rates of epilepsy in those with a diagnosed ASD range from 13%-46% (Canitano, Luchett, & Zappella, 2005;Hughes & Melyn, 2005;Gabis et al, 2005). This compares with a 3-27% epilepsy rate in other pervasive developmental disorders (Miyajima et al, 2011).…”

“…Epilepsy is considered to be a factor for more severe presentation of ASD, however, why this relationship occurs is still not yet established (Gabis, Pomeroy, & Andriola, 2005). Steffenburg suggests learning difficulties may be a factor for the epilepsy-ASD co-morbidity (Steffenburg et al, 2003).…”

“…Early studies revealed the cumulative risk of epilepsy and seizures in ASD, which occur regardless of epileptiform discharges (Gabis et al, 2005;Rapin, 1995). A recent study demonstrated this risk in the finding of a 24.9% prevalence of epilepsy in a sample of 345 inpatients with ASD, which increased to 58.5% in adults over 20 years of age (Parmeggiani et al, 2010).…”

“…It is also clear that epileptic activity is strongly correlated to the presence and severity of ASD in those with ASD and epilepsy (Gabis et al, 2005;Tuchman, 2006). However it is not clear whether epileptic activity is strongly correlated to the presence and severity of ASD in those with only epilepsy.…”

“…The AQ will be employed to investigate social and non-social autistic characteristics in adults with epilepsy measured as traits in the 'without aura' condition. Evidence suggests that epileptic activity during seizures may 'induce' rather than merely 'stimulate' some autistic characteristics in epilepsy (Bonora et al, 2011;Gabis et al, 2005;Tuchman, 2006). However, while this relationship implicates seizure activity, it has not been directly investigated.…”