Seizures can significantly impact other health conditions that students may experience, such as ADHD and autism. There is a recognized association among these conditions, with seizures being more common in individuals with autism than in the general population, and early childhood epilepsy increasing the risk of ADHD in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, ADHD symptoms often coexist with epilepsy, sometimes appearing before seizure onset, indicating that these conditions are frequently comorbid rather than causally linked.

Seizures and Autism

Seizure disorders and epilepsy are frequently reported comorbidities in individuals with autism. About 26% of children aged 13 and older with autism have been diagnosed with epilepsy, which is much higher than the less than 1% seen in the general pediatric population. Several related disorders with autism, such as Rett syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex, also have high rates of epilepsy. The relationship between autism and seizures is complex and may be bidirectional or coincidental rather than causal.

Seizures and ADHD

Children with epilepsy are at an increased risk of also having ADHD, and ADHD symptoms are often present at or before the onset of seizures. The ADHD inattentive type is especially common among children with new-onset seizures. ADHD in children with epilepsy is linked to greater learning difficulties and increased rates of other comorbidities like anxiety and oppositional defiant disorder. However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD generally have a low risk of provoking seizures if epilepsy is well-controlled. Monitoring is recommended when treating ADHD in children with seizures.

Intersection of Autism, ADHD, and Seizures

In children with ASD, early childhood onset epilepsy nearly doubles the risk of developing ADHD later, highlighting the importance of screening and early intervention for ADHD symptoms in this group. Clinicians are advised to consider these overlapping vulnerabilities for better management and improved developmental and behavioral outcomes.

In summary, seizures can impact students with ADHD and autism by increasing the complexity of their neurodevelopmental and behavioral symptoms, requiring attentive clinical management and tailored treatment approaches to improve academic and social functioning.