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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism
Published on: October 17, 2025
Autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: Disorders with a shared biology
Bo Hoon Lee1, Tristram Smith2, Alex R Paciorkowski3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
Abstract:
There is an increasing recognition of clinical overlap in patients presenting with epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a great deal of new information regarding the genetic causes of both disorders is available. Several biological pathways appear to be involved in both disease processes, including gene transcription regulation, cellular growth, synaptic channel function, and maintenance of synaptic structure. We review several genetic disorders where ASD and epilepsy frequently co-occur, and we discuss the screening tools available for practicing neurologists and epileptologists to help determine which patients should be referred for formal ASD diagnostic evaluation. Finally, we make recommendations regarding the workflow of genetic diagnostic testing available for children with both ASD and epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Autism and Epilepsy".
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