If your child with autism has ever “zoned out” for a few seconds or suddenly stiffened up, it can be frightening. It can also be hard to tell if it’s just a part of their autism, or something else – like a seizure – especially if you already know there is a connection between epilepsy and autism.
Not only is there a known correlation between autism and seizures, but autism and seizure symptoms can overlap, making it harder for parents to know exactly what is at play.
The reality is that seizures are far more common in children with autism than in other children. In the general population, fewer than one percent of children develop seizures, whereas as many as one in four autistic children is likely to experience seizures at some point.
But the good news is that most seizures can be managed very successfully with the right medical care and ongoing support. And when you know what to look for, they can be much easier to spot.
Below, we’ll explain more about the epilepsy-autism connection, what seizures can look like, what to do when they happen, and what parents in Ohio should know about treatment, options, and next steps.
The epilepsy-autism connection
Epilepsy and autism are two distinct conditions, but they are closely linked in how they affect the brain.
- Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how a person communicates, behaves, and experiences the world.
- Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes occasional but recurring seizures – short bursts of unusual electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disrupt normal functioning.
Although neither condition causes the other, they are connected through shared differences in how the brain develops and communicates. This is why epilepsy is so much more common in autistic people – and that risk is known to increase more when intellectual disability is also present.
Seizures can start at any age but often begin in early childhood or adolescence, when the brain is going through important changes.
Doctors aren’t completely sure why this overlap happens, but current research suggests that both autism and epilepsy stem, at least in part, from how neurons form and connect during early brain development.
The important thing to remember is that having autism does not cause seizures – it simply makes them more likely. With awareness and good medical support, most children go on to lead happy, full lives.
What to look out for: seizure symptoms in autism
When most people picture a seizure, they think of a dramatic, full-body event – a child stiffening, shaking, and falling to the ground.
Those types of seizures do happen, but there are also many other types of seizures that are far more subtle and easy to miss – especially in autism, where some of the symptoms of seizures overlap with common autistic traits (like staring or repetitive movements).
Here are some of the most common types of seizures and their symptoms:
- Tonic-clonic seizures: These are the seizures most people recognise. The body stiffens, then begins to shake or jerk rhythmically. The child may fall, drool, or briefly lose consciousness. Severe episodes can involve biting of the tongue or loss of bladder control.
- Focal (partial) seizures: These start in one area of the brain and may cause twitching or repetitive movements in a single limb, or an unusual “dazed” expression. The child might appear confused or unresponsive for a short time.
- Absence (“silent”) seizures: The child suddenly stops what they’re doing, stares blankly, and doesn’t respond for a few seconds before resuming as if nothing happened. These are easy to mistake for daydreaming.
- Atonic (“drop”) seizures: The child’s muscles suddenly lose tone, causing their head to drop forward or their body to slump or fall.
- Myoclonic seizures: Brief, shock-like jerks or twitches of the arms, legs, or upper body, sometimes so fast they’re missed unless you know to look.
Because some of these behaviors – such as “zoning out” or repetitive movements – can also occur in autism, distinguishing between the two can be tricky.
Signs that suggest a seizure rather than autism-related behavior include:
- Sudden onset with no obvious trigger (such as frustration or sensory overload).
- No reaction to their name or touch during the episode.
- Movements or stiffening that are new or unusual for your child.
- Confusion, fatigue, or sleepiness afterwards.
- Loss of bladder control or sudden collapse.
If you ever see these signs, it’s worth talking with your child’s doctor. Try to record an episode (if safe to do so) and note what happened before, during, and after – this helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis.
What to do if your autistic child has a seizure
If your child has a seizure, your calm response can make all the difference – whether it’s a more visible type or a subtle, short “staring spell.”
If it’s a visible or physical seizure (like a tonic–clonic):
- Keep them safe. Move anything hard or sharp out of the way and cushion their head.
- Gently roll them onto their side. This helps with breathing and prevents choking.
- Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.
- Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911.
- Stay with your child. When it’s over, keep them comfortable and let them rest.
- Call your doctor to report what happened, even if it seemed brief.
If it’s a subtle seizure (like an absence or focal seizure):
These seizures can be easier to miss, but it’s still helpful to do certain things if you do notice any of the symptoms.
Your child might stop talking mid-sentence, stare into space, or pause in the middle of an activity for a few seconds before continuing as if nothing happened. If this happens:
- Note the details. Write down what you saw – how long it lasted, what they were doing just before, and how they acted after.
- Check for awareness. Gently call their name or touch their arm to see if they respond. Lack of response suggests seizure activity.
- Stay nearby. Make sure they’re safe until they regain focus.
- Track patterns. If it happens again, record it (if safe) and share with your doctor.
Even brief, subtle episodes can interfere with learning, attention, and daily safety, and the more information you can share with your child’s doctors, the easier they can help prevent the seizures from recurring or worsening – so it’s important to report them, even if your child seems fine afterward.
When to seek emergency help:
Call 911 if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- Breathing or color changes occur.
- Another seizure follows immediately.
- Your child is injured, or it’s their first known seizure.
Can autistic meltdowns look like seizures?
Sometimes, yes – and this can be confusing.
Both autistic meltdowns and shutdowns – when a child disconnects internally instead of reacting outwardly – share a number of symptoms with seizures, although there are usually noticeable differences too.
Autistic meltdowns happen when a child becomes overwhelmed by noise, stress, or sensory input. During a meltdown, children may cry, shout, cover their ears, or try to get away – behaviours that usually look quite different from a seizure. But twitching, stimming, or other repetitive movements can also appear during a meltdown and may be mistaken for seizure activity.
Autistic “shutdowns” have more overlap with absence seizures, as both involve a period of “zoning out” and reduced ability to respond or communicate.
Still, there are usually clues to help tell them apart.
During a seizure, movements tend to be more rhythmic, muscles may stiffen, and the child won’t respond to touch or sound. After a meltdown, a child might cry or seek comfort; after a seizure, they’re often confused, tired, or need to sleep.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to speak with your doctor. Tests such as an EEG can help confirm whether seizure activity is present.
Can an autistic child outgrow seizures?
Many children do outgrow epilepsy – including those with autism – though the chances in autistic children are a bit lower. For some, seizures stop completely during the teenage years. For others, they become less frequent and easier to manage with medication.
Even if epilepsy continues, consistent treatment and monitoring usually mean seizures are well controlled. What matters most is early diagnosis, regular check-ins with your neurologist, and a clear plan for school and home.
Most of all, it’s important to stay positive. With the right care, most families see steady progress and big improvements over time.
Treatment options and how to manage seizures and autism
Epilepsy in autism is treated much the same way as in other children, but managing both conditions together often requires a broader team – including a neurologist, a pediatrician, and often a psychologist or behavioral specialist who understands autism.
Because seizure types vary, treatment plans must be individualized. Your primary doctor will refer you to specialists who can design a care plan for your child.
Common parts of a treatment plan for epilepsy with autism:
- Medication: Anti-seizure drugs are usually the first step and are effective for most children. Doses are adjusted as the child grows, and side effects are monitored carefully.
- Therapy and behavioral support: For children with autism, therapy helps manage stress, communication challenges, and sensory issues that might trigger seizures or make recovery harder.
- School supports: Every child with epilepsy should have a seizure action plan in place so teachers and aides know what to do. This can be added to an IEP or 504 plan.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Good sleep, balanced nutrition, predictable routines, and other at-home stratgies can all help reduce seizure frequency.
In some cases, neurologists may also suggest alternative approaches such as dietary therapy (like a ketogenic diet) or nerve stimulation, but these are less common and always tailored to the child’s specific needs.
Getting help in Ohio
If your child is displaying autism and seizure symptoms, it might feel like your family is facing an uphill battle – but you don’t have to face it alone, and it’s more than possible to get both conditions under control.
Start by talking with your family doctor or pediatrician, who can refer you to a pediatric neurologist or epilepsy specialist for testing and diagnosis. From there, you’ll work together to find the right treatment and 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, our teachers, psychologists, and behavioral specialists work together to create a learning environment where children with autism – including those with epilepsy – can feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
If you’re an Ohio parent looking for an education setting that understands both the behavioral and medical sides of autism, EA Schools can help. Together, we’ll help your child learn, grow, and build confidence every step of the way.