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Updated: May 29, 2026
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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Neurodevelopmental Assessment, EEG Findings and Epilepsy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective
Elif Didinmez Taşkırdı1, Müge Baykan2, Gonca Özyurt3
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Izmir City Hospital, 1/11, 2148/11 Street, Refik Şevket İnce Neighborhood, Bayraklı, Izmir, Turkey. edidinmez@hotmail.com.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Epilepsy is common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) findings and genetic variants strongly predict epilepsy in ASD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a high comorbidity with epilepsy.
- Understanding the neurological underpinnings of epilepsy in ASD is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between epilepsy and neurological evaluation findings in children with ASD.
- To identify predictors of epilepsy in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 99 children diagnosed with ASD (DSM-5-TR) at a tertiary center.
- Data collected included demographics, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, genetic testing (chromosomal microarray analysis), and developmental assessments.
- Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and logistic regression to determine associations and predictors.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy was diagnosed in 22.2% of the ASD cohort.
- Abnormal EEG findings (43.1%) and pathogenic genetic variants (52.4% in tested patients) were significantly associated with epilepsy.
- Abnormal EEG findings were the strongest independent predictor of epilepsy (OR=48.96), followed by pathogenic variants (OR=4.38).
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy and EEG abnormalities are highly prevalent in children with ASD.
- Abnormal EEG findings and pathogenic genetic variants are significant predictors of epilepsy.
- EEG is recommended for children with ASD, especially those with seizures, developmental regression, or genetic variants.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...