If you’ve noticed moments where your child suddenly stops, stares, or seems to “go still” for a few seconds, it can be worrying – especially if it feels out of place or doesn’t match their usual behaviour.
And if your child has autism, it can be even harder to tell where autism ends and something else begins.
One possibility is an absent seizure – a brief, silent seizure that interrupts awareness. These are easy to mistake for daydreaming, a momentary pause, or an autistic shutdown. But knowing what to look for can make a big difference.
Below, we’ll explain everything from what absence seizures are to what they feel like for the child, the difference between symptoms of absence seizures and autism traits, and what to do if you start to notice these episodes in your child.
What are absence seizures?
Absence seizures – sometimes called silent or absent seizures – are short episodes where a person briefly loses awareness.
They’re most common in children, especially between ages four and twelve, but do also happen in adults.
In an absence seizure, the brain essentially “pauses” for a moment. Your child may stop talking mid-sentence, freeze in the middle of an activity, or suddenly stare blankly before carrying on as if nothing happened. There’s no shaking or falling, and most children have no memory of the event.
They usually come and go without warning, and only last about 3 to 15 seconds. Because they’re so short and subtle, they can easily go unnoticed.
Are absence seizures more common in autism?
Children with autism are known to have a higher risk of developing seizures (epilepsy) in general. Around 1 in 4 autistic children will develop seizures at some point – far higher than in the general population.
However, there’s no evidence that absence seizures specifically are more common in autism than other seizure types.
What is true is that the symptoms of absence seizures – like pausing, staring, and “zoning out” – can look a lot like common autism traits, which makes this type of seizure much harder to notice in autistic children. And this is why the two conditions are more often linked or compared.
What are the symptoms of absence seizures?
The hardest part about identifying absence seizures is that the symptoms are so subtle. They don’t look like tonic–clonic seizures, where a child visibly stiffens or shakes. Instead, they’re quiet and fleeting – the kind of moment you could miss if you blink.
If you notice your child do any of the following…
- Stop talking in the middle of a sentence
- Freeze suddenly during play
- Briefly stare straight ahead with no expression
- Pause while walking or eating
- Blink rapidly or flutter their eyelids
- Make small “automatic” movements like head nodding, lip smacking, or hand tapping
…these could be signs they are having an absent seizure.
Absence seizures vs autism traits: how can you tell the difference?
Because autism often involves deep focus, sensory shutdowns, or moments of “tuning out,” parents often struggle to know what’s what.
Here are the key differences between absent seizures and autism traits:
| Absence seizures | Autistic “zoning out” or shutdowns |
| Start and stop very suddenly, without any trigger or change in circumstance | Often triggered by sensory overload, fatigue, or stress |
| Child does not respond to their name or touch | Child may respond slightly or shift attention |
| May include eyelid fluttering or tiny repetitive movements | May include stimming or repetitive movements linked to self-regulation |
| Lasts only a few seconds | May last longer than a few seconds |
| Child immediately continues the activity as if nothing happened | Child may or may not return to the same activity straight away |
| Child has no memory of the event | Child usually remembers what happened before and after |
| May seem slightly confused afterwards | Often accompanied by clear signs of overwhelm |
The simplest way to understand the difference is awareness.
- Autism redirects awareness. A child may withdraw or tune out, but their brain is still processing what’s happening around them in some way – even if they can’t show it.
- Absence seizures interrupt awareness. The brain briefly “switches off,” so the child stops processing their surroundings. They can’t respond during the episode and usually don’t remember it afterwards.
If you’re unsure, trust your instincts. Parents often describe their first concern as “something just didn’t feel right.” There’s no harm in being wrong, but a lot to gain if you’re right.
What does an absence seizure feel like for the child?
Although these events can be unsettling to watch as a parent, the good news is that most children feel nothing at all during or after an absence seizure. There’s no fear, pain, or panic, and they’re often completely unaware that anything has even happened.
Some older children describe it as “losing a second” or “a blank moment.” But many can’t describe anything because the episode is so fast.
However, while it’s reassuring to know that absence seizures aren’t distressing for the child – they still need attention, because frequent absence seizures can affect learning and daily safety.
How absent seizures can affect learning and daily life
Absence seizures aren’t usually dangerous in the moment, but when they happen often, they can have a real impact.
Frequent absence seizures can affect:
- Learning, because the child briefly misses information.
- Attention, especially in the classroom.
- Memory, due to tiny “gaps” throughout the day.
- Behaviour, if adults misinterpret seizures as inattention or defiance.
There’s also a safety risk during activities that require full awareness, such as swimming, crossing the road, or navigating busy environments.
This is why early diagnosis and treatment matter.
A child who seems “distracted,” “constantly daydreaming,” or “not listening” might actually be experiencing dozens of silent seizures a day – and the sooner this is identified, the sooner it can be treated.
What are the causes of absence seizures?
Absence seizures happen when the brain’s electrical activity briefly “misfires.” They aren’t caused by stress, behaviour, or parenting, and they’re not a sign that something is “wrong” with your child.
They can appear at any age – even in toddlers and adults – but most begin between ages 4 and 12. The exact cause of absence seizures isn’t known, though genetics and early brain development are believed to play a role.
While autism does increase the overall risk of seizures, it does not cause them. Researchers think both autism and seizures may share underlying differences in how the brain develops, which is why seizures are more common in autistic people.
How are absence seizures diagnosed?
The first step is simple: talk to your child’s doctor. You don’t need to know whether the episodes are seizures or not – that’s what medical professionals are for.
Your doctor may refer you to a pediatric neurologist, who can carry out tests such as:
- An EEG, which looks at electrical activity in the brain
- An MRI or CT scan to look for any abnormalities in the brain
- Reviewing videos taken by you during suspected episodes
- Discussion of symptoms, behaviour patterns, and family history
An EEG (electroencephalogram) test might sound intimidating, but it’s completely safe, painless, and non-invasive. Small stickers are simply placed on your child’s scalp to record brain activity while they rest or play simple games.
For many families, these tests offer answers – or rule seizures out entirely.
How are absence seizures treated?
The good news is that absence seizures usually respond very well to medication. Many children see a big improvement within weeks once the right medicine and dose are found.
Anti-seizure medication is the main and most effective treatment. Alongside this, families often work with their care team on adjustments such as regular follow-ups with a neurologist, keeping track of patterns or triggers, and putting a clear seizure action plan in place at school so everyone knows what to do.
For autistic children, extra support is often needed to make sure seizure management fits smoothly into everyday life. This might include help with sensory triggers, routine changes, communication challenges, or behavioural reactions to medication.
Coordinating care between neurologists, psychologists, teachers, and behavioural specialists is the best way to keep things consistent. This is one of the reasons specialist schools that integrate medical and behavioural support can be so beneficial – everything works together to support the child as a whole.
What to do if you think your child is having absent seizures
If you’ve noticed moments that seem unusual or slightly “off,” it’s right to pay attention.
Even subtle absence seizures need treatment, because repeated episodes can interrupt learning and daily safety.
Here’s what you can do:
- Watch closely. Notice what your child was doing before, during, and after the episode.
- Gently call their name. No response may suggest a seizure.
- Record the moment if it’s safe to do so. Doctors find this incredibly helpful.
- Keep a simple diary, noting how often the episodes happen.
- Reach out to a healthcare professional and bring your notes or videos.
You don’t need to have the answers – you just need to start the conversation.
Getting help for autism and seizures in Ohio
If your child is showing possible symptoms of absence seizures, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A good first step is to speak with your family doctor or pediatrician, who can refer you to a pediatric neurologist specialising in seizures in children.
If your child is autistic, it can also help to talk with their teachers or care team, who may have noticed patterns linked to absent seizures, and can guide you toward the right supports.
At EA Schools, we understand how closely medical and educational needs can overlap. Through our Coral Autism Program and partnership with REACH Behavioral Health, we work together to support each child’s learning, wellbeing, and safety – including helping families recognise possible seizure activity and understand what to do next.
If you’re unsure whether the signs you’re seeing are seizure-related, autism-related, or both – and your child does not yet have an autism diagnosis – our partner REACH can help.
REACH BH provides autism diagnosis services at locations across Ohio, allowing families to access expert and compassionate evaluations, without long wait lists or the need for a referral.
If you’re an Ohio parent looking for a school that understands both the behavioural and medical sides of autism, EA Schools can help you take the next step.
Contact us today, and talk to someone who can help.