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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
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Behavioral correlates of epileptiform abnormalities in autism
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Children with autism often show abnormal brain activity on EEGs, especially during sleep. Research is exploring links between this activity, cognitive function, behavior, and potential benefits from anti-seizure medication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalograms (EEGs), even without clinical seizures.
- These EEG abnormalities are particularly pronounced during sleep.
- The clinical significance and implications of these subclinical epileptiform discharges in autism remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of epileptiform abnormalities in children with autism.
- To explore potential associations between these EEG findings, cognitive function, and behavioral patterns in the autism population.
- To review the current evidence regarding the effects of anticonvulsant treatments on cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children with autism and epileptiform discharges.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EEG findings in autism.
- Analysis of correlations between epileptiform discharges, cognitive assessments, and behavioral evaluations.
- Synthesis of data from small-scale studies on anticonvulsant interventions.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of epileptiform abnormalities detected via EEG in children with autism, predominantly during sleep.
- Inconsistent but potential associations noted between epileptiform discharges and cognitive/behavioral functioning.
- Preliminary evidence from small studies suggests possible cognitive and behavioral improvements with anticonvulsant treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epileptiform abnormalities are common in children with autism and warrant further investigation.
- The relationship between EEG findings, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and treatment response in autism requires more extensive research.
- Larger, controlled studies are necessary to clarify the role of anticonvulsant therapies for managing associated cognitive and behavioral challenges in autism.
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