Epilepsy Among Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Population-Based Study

Jokiranta, Elina; Sourander, André; Suominen, Auli; Timonen-Soivio, Laura; Brown, Alan S.; Sillanpää, Matti

doi:10.1007/s10803-014-2126-6

Cited by 89 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…Other reports estimate that approximately 20–25% children with ASD have epilepsy [21]. A recent population-based study found 44% of children with ASD received a subsequent diagnosis of epilepsy, and 54% of children with epilepsy received a subsequent diagnosis of ASD [22]. Age of onset for epilepsy in ASD is bimodally distributed, with a peak in early childhood (age 2–5 years) and a larger peak in adolescence [23].…”

Section: Case Definitions Of Asdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology

Lee

Smith

Paciorkowski

2015

Epilepsy & Behavior

139

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There is an increasing recognition of clinical overlap in patients presenting with epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a great deal of new information is available regarding the genetic causes of both disorders. Several biological pathways appear to be involved in both disease processes, including gene transcription regulation, cellular growth, synaptic channel function, and maintenance of synaptic structure. We review several genetic disorders where ASD and epilepsy frequently co-occur, and we discuss the screening tools available to practicing neurologists and epileptologists to help determine which patients should be referred for formal ASD diagnostic evaluation. Finally, we make recommendations regarding the workflow of genetic diagnostic testing available for children with both ASD and epilepsy.

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Section: Case Definitions Of Asdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology

Lee

Smith

Paciorkowski

2015

Epilepsy & Behavior

139

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“…Caring for someone with ASD presents significant challenges: individuals with ASD may become distressed when routines are disturbed (DeGrace 2004), and have difficulties expressing their needs (Peppe et al 2007). Medical comorbidities are also common, including a higher prevalence of epilepsy and sleep disorders when compared to the general population (Bauman 2010; Jokiranta et al 2014). Furthermore, with the majority of adults with ASD remaining dependent on their families (Howlin et al 2013, 2004), the role of a parent as a carer pervades throughout life.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Experiences of Fathers Who Have Offspring with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Burrell

Ives

Unwin

2017

J Autism Dev Disord

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Research exploring parents’ experiences of having offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) currently underrepresents fathers. This study aimed to develop an understanding of the experience of fathers, with a view to facilitating improved support. Eight fathers participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of fathering children with ASD. Fathers described their experiences as a path towards acceptance, with independence and integration for their offspring being key goals. Fathers saw themselves as advocates fighting obstructive services to access appropriate care. The value placed on formal and informal support varied, although the need for personalised support was emphasised. Enabling fathers to see their experiences as a journey, whilst engaging them on the important topics of independence and integration, may improve their experience.

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“…Other data suggest an increased occurrence of epilepsy in female patients with ASD compared with male patients with ASD. 6,9,13 This may be especially so in female patients with comorbid intellectual disability. 9 In the Amiet et al 13 meta-analysis, the male:female ratio of autism comorbidity with epilepsy was 2:1, whereas the male: female ratio of autism without epilepsy was 3.5:1.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…22 The occurrence of the specific epilepsy diagnosis varied in different studies of individuals with ASD and comorbid epilepsy, primarily generalized between 14% and 24%, partial onset between 30% and 44%, and the dominating group had unspecified epilepsy (G40.9). 6,9,23 We have therefore not analyzed the different epilepsy codes separately.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Autism and epilepsy

et al. 2016

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Objective: To investigate the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in individuals with epilepsy and in their first-degree relatives to determine shared etiology.Methods: Through the Swedish Patient Register, we identified 85,201 individuals with epilepsy, as well as all their siblings (n 5 80,511) and offspring (n 5 98,534). Each individual with epilepsy was compared with 5 controls, matched for age, sex, calendar period, and county, while siblings and offspring were compared with siblings and offspring of controls. We excluded siblings and offspring with epilepsy. Using Cox regression, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for future diagnosis of ASD. Logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for prior diagnosis of ASD.Results: During follow-up, 1,381 (1.6%) individuals with epilepsy and 700 (0.2%) controls were diagnosed with ASD. Individuals with epilepsy were therefore at increased risk of future ASD (HR 10.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.55-11.53), with the highest risk seen in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy in childhood. Both siblings (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.43-1.83) and offspring (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.46-1.84) of epilepsy patients were at increased risk of ASD. The risk in the offspring was particularly high in mothers with epilepsy (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.63-2.23). Epilepsy was also associated with a prior diagnosis of ASD (OR 4.56, 95% CI 4.02-5.18). According to the definition of the International League Against Epilepsy, "epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiologic, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition." Conclusions:1 Epilepsy frequently co-occurs with psychiatric disturbances, such as mood and anxiety disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 1 ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication and restricted, repetitive, or stereotypic behavior, interests, and activities. The strength and nature of the association between epilepsy and ASD have been scarce and difficult to interpret. A US study of health care data, a British psychiatric morbidity survey, and a prospective screening study all found that ASD as a comorbidity in patients with epilepsy had a prevalence between 1.3% and 21% and an odds ratio (OR) between 6 and 22.

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Epilepsy Among Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Population-Based Study

Cited by 89 publications

References 45 publications

Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology

Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology

The Experiences of Fathers Who Have Offspring with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism and epilepsy

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