Seizures: Cause or result of Autism?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
Seizures: Cause or result of Autism?
9
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 4:13pm

I've read a bit about the fact that kids with Autism tend to have seizures (Jenny MCarthy spoke about that on Oprah). My son had seizures (very mild ones) when he was 6 months old. They lasted (as far as we know) for a year or so.

We now believe he has Asperger's. Is this related? Is it possible (and I know they don't know the cause) that seizures are causing Autism or do kids with Autism tend to have seizures?

I've also read that they have gastrointestinal problems. DS had SEVERE problems at 3 1/2. So much so that he had a colonoscopy. They ended up saying it was all in his head.

Just curious as to what you all think and know.

Thanks:)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 4:31pm

Curious thoughts! Liam (we think) had absent seizures last year after being prescribed rtilin. Other than that we're not sure. I do know there are several ASD kids who have had seizures all their lives and then others who don't develop seizure activity until adolesence.

I can tell you this, my best friend from childhood was classic Epileptic from after age 2 when he contracted meningitus. He would have 3-6 attacks a week. Once he had one when we were climbing a tree and he fell between the trunk and a concrete wall, that was scary as no adults were around, think 1980's in Dublin, Ireland when kids were ALLOWED play outside).

In hindsight he really was an Aspie too. Had obsessions, (TRAINS, TRAINS , TRAINS) social issues (hmmmm wonder why I gravitated towards him, we were best buddies from age 3-12 when he moved away). I think what happened is the meningitus caused both his ASD and his seizures. Thus, the two are interconnected. Just my opinion, that darn brain thing is soooo complex,

Dee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 6:40pm

Seizures do not cause autism but those with autism spectrum disorders are at increased risk to also have seizures or epilepsy. My 13yo Aspergers dd is also epileptic (though mild and controlled with meds).

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 7:42pm

I agree with Renee. Seizures do not cause Autism. The vast majority of epileptics are not on the Spectrum. Some Specrum folk do have seizures, however.

-Paula

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 7:55pm

Thanks Everyone!

Paula, he struggled with SEVERE constipation when he was 3yrs. He's now 7 and outgrew it. But, yes, after months of testing and him screaming in pain, they said it was in his head. Go figure.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 9:55pm

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Edited 2/19/2008 4:53 pm ET by littleroses
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Fri, 09-21-2007 - 11:17pm

Thats intersting what you said lr about the migraines and seizures.... My dd has Migraines, but then again she got a concussion when she was 9.


Something to ponder....


Lainie

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-27-2007
Sat, 09-22-2007 - 7:37pm

I already posted something similar to this on the Oprah post, of course it dropped down...LOL...


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Mon, 09-24-2007 - 1:29pm

My 13 year old son has Aspie's and ADHD has never had a seizure but does have gastro issues (minor, bloating and gas) which he takes acidopholus every day and that helps.


My 8 year old daughter doesn't have Aspie's or ADHD but gets migraines.

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Mon, 09-24-2007 - 3:43pm
Interesting your comment about migraines and epilepsy, I have had migraines for years, some quite debilitating.

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Christine