Epilepsy in autism spectrum disorder

• This paper will review research on epilepsy in autism spectrum disorder.
• It will investigate the relationships between epilepsy, parental stress and psychological distress.
• Developmental regression, language and communication, adaptive behavior, social skills and autism severity are explored.
• Challenging behavior, comorbid psychopathology, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems and quality of life are also explored.
• Recommendations for treatment are given as well as areas where future research is needed.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the research on epilepsy in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics explored are the prevalence of epilepsy in ASD, the importance of studying epilepsy, as well as the questionnaire measures used to assess epilepsy side-effects. Research on the relationships between epilepsy and parental stress and psychological distress, developmental regression, language and communication, adaptive behavior, social skills, autism severity, challenging behavior, comorbid psychopathology, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, sensory issues and quality of life are also discussed. Finally, recommendations for treatment are given as well as areas where future research is needed.