It is estimated that as many as 1/3 of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also have epilepsy. Families will want to work with a neurologist that specializes in seizure disorders in supporting their loved one with autism and epilepsy. Below are some resources and websites that may be helpful to individuals with both diagnoses and their families.
Autism, Epilepsy & Seizures: How to Recognize the Signs and Basic First Aid When You Do
A brochure by the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
www.djfiddlefoundation.org
If a family member suffers from seizures, you may want to consider a medical alert bracelet that can inform first responders of the seizure disorder and any medications that the individual may take. There are a variety of options available on the internet.
Epilepsy and My Child
If you have a child with epilepsy, this website is for you. Whether your child was just diagnosed, or you have specific concerns about medications, getting support at school, or another issue, our goal is to provide the information you need.
www.epilepsyandmychild.org
This parents website is a product of the Epilepsy Foundation.
Epilepsy.com
Information.Community.Empowerment.
www.epilepsy.com
Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES)
Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center to raise funds to improve the quality of life for all those affected by epilepsy through clinical care, education, and research.
faces.med.nyu.edu
FACES Pediatric Epilepsy Resource Handbook
Epilepsy Information
Learn more about epilepsy and find more resources from the National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/epilepsy.htm
Kids Safety Bands
A Kid Safety Band is the pioneering silicone wristband designed specifically for children and other dependents. Parents customize their child's safety band with the initials of their child along with their contact number(s), and other medical information.
www.kidssafetybands.com
Bed Monitors
Bed Seizure Alarm
These devices are designed to monitor one person during sleep and will detect shaking or jerking movements such as those encountered during convulsive seizures, as well as sounds/noises. In such an instance, the device transmits a signal to the alarm pager (or both pagers if they are both on) which alerts the parent/service provider.
www.bedseizurealarm.com
Emfit Tonic-Clonic Seizure Monitor
Emfit’s tonic-clonic seizure monitor’s use is for detecting and notifying a caregiver if the person with epilepsy experiences a tonic-clonic seizure that causes faster, continued body movements while in bed. Additionally, it can also monitor an individual’s presence in bed and will give notification if the monitored person leaves the bed or does not return to the bed within a preset amount of time.
www.emfit.com
For a list of other safety products, please visit the Autism Speaks Resource Library page for Safety Products here.
Disclaimer
Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with the provision of services related to autism.
