Autism and Epilepsy Non-Invasive Diagnosis and Therapy

NON-INVASIVE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR AUTISM and EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a brain disorder marked by recurring seizures, or convulsions. The autism-epilepsy overlap appears to be most common among people who also have intellectual disability. Studies suggest that 15 to 30 percent of individuals with autism also have epilepsy. And about 5 percent of those who develop epilepsy in early childhood also develop autism.

Experts propose that some of the developmental brain changes associated with autism also contribute to seizures. These differences in brain development appear to cause changes in the activity of brain nerve cells, or neurons. Neurons process and transmit information and send signals to the rest of the body. Certain disturbances in their activity can cause seizures. Experts propose that some of the brain abnormalities associated with autism may also contribute to seizures.

Recognizing epilepsy in someone with autism - Seizures can begin at any age, though research has identified two peaks in onset among children with autism-in the preschool years and again in adolescence.

Characteristic symptoms include:

• Unexplained staring spells
• Stiffening of muscles
• Involuntary jerking of limbs

Other less-specific symptoms can include:

• Sleepiness or sleep disturbances
• Marked and unexplained irritability or aggressiveness
• Regression in normal development

Also called autism spectrum disorder. A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional, social and physical health of the affected individual.

The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors.