Abstract
Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently co-occur during childhood, however, the characteristics of psychiatric
or behavioural problems in these children remains largely unknown. This article contributes to these discussions by reporting
on the prevalence and presentation of psychiatric or behavioural problems in children with epilepsy and ASDs, as well as on
the use of anticonvulsants in these children. The current evidence suggests that children with epilepsy and ASDs may present
with a distinct clinical profile, with a greater number of developmental difficulties, and a more severe expression of the
ASD phenotype that can not solely be accounted for by level of intellectual functioning. Positive effects of anticonvulsants
on behavioural symptoms associated with ASDs were also reported, though pharmacoresistance and a lack of clear treatment guidelines
may contribute to an elevated risk of adverse side effects. In relation to clinical presentation and management there is a
need for careful consideration of potential interaction effects between disorder specific factors (e.g., age of seizure onset/ASD
diagnosis), cognitive characteristics (e.g., intellectual functioning, memory), and psychosocial variables (e.g., coping strategies).
Ultimately however, many conclusions are tentative and this review highlights the need for more empirically validated research
on children with epilepsy and ASDs.
or behavioural problems in these children remains largely unknown. This article contributes to these discussions by reporting
on the prevalence and presentation of psychiatric or behavioural problems in children with epilepsy and ASDs, as well as on
the use of anticonvulsants in these children. The current evidence suggests that children with epilepsy and ASDs may present
with a distinct clinical profile, with a greater number of developmental difficulties, and a more severe expression of the
ASD phenotype that can not solely be accounted for by level of intellectual functioning. Positive effects of anticonvulsants
on behavioural symptoms associated with ASDs were also reported, though pharmacoresistance and a lack of clear treatment guidelines
may contribute to an elevated risk of adverse side effects. In relation to clinical presentation and management there is a
need for careful consideration of potential interaction effects between disorder specific factors (e.g., age of seizure onset/ASD
diagnosis), cognitive characteristics (e.g., intellectual functioning, memory), and psychosocial variables (e.g., coping strategies).
Ultimately however, many conclusions are tentative and this review highlights the need for more empirically validated research
on children with epilepsy and ASDs.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Review
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s11065-012-9212-3
- Authors
- Sally J. Robinson, Children’s Neurosciences Centre, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH UK
- Journal Neuropsychology Review
- Online ISSN 1573-6660
- Print ISSN 1040-7308