# Autism and Epilepsy: What Parents Need to Know > Epilepsy is more common in autistic children. What seizures can look like, simple seizure first aid, and when to get urgent medical help. _Source: Autism Parent Guide (https://autismparentguide.org/daily-life/epilepsy) · Last reviewed 2026-06-01 · Reviewed by Parent reviewer and Developmental paediatrics adviser._ ## Quick answer Epilepsy is more common in autistic children than in other children, and seizures aren't always dramatic — as well as the convulsive kind, they can be subtle, like staring and 'blanking out', sudden stops, or unusual repetitive movements. **Learn what to watch for, learn simple seizure first aid, keep a record, and always get a first suspected seizure checked by a doctor.** Most autistic children do not have epilepsy, and where it occurs it is usually manageable. This is general information — seek medical advice for your child. ## Seizure first aid & when to call emergency services If your child has a convulsive seizure: **stay calm, time it, move hard objects away, cushion their head, and gently turn them on their side**. **Do not** restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Stay with them until they recover. **Call emergency services** if: a seizure lasts **more than 5 minutes**, one seizure follows another without recovery, they have trouble breathing, they injure themselves, it's their **first** seizure, or you're unsure. Always get a *first* suspected seizure checked by a doctor. ## What parents can do today - Learn what different seizures can look like (not just convulsions). - Learn and practise simple seizure first aid (time it, protect, recovery position). - If you suspect a seizure, film it if safe and note time, length and what happened. - Book a doctor's appointment for any first suspected seizure. - Share any diagnosis and a seizure plan with your child's school. ## Why epilepsy is linked to autism Autism and epilepsy share some of the same underlying differences in how the brain develops, which is why epilepsy is more common in autistic children than in the wider population. There tend to be two ages when it's more likely to appear: **early childhood** and **adolescence**. It's important to keep this in perspective: **most autistic children will never have epilepsy.** But because it's more common, it's worth knowing the signs so you can act if you ever need to. ## What seizures can look like Seizures are much more varied than many people expect. They can include: - **Convulsive seizures** — stiffening, jerking, loss of consciousness. - **Absence seizures** — brief 'blanking out' or staring, stopping mid-activity, not responding for a few seconds. - **Brief jerks** of the limbs, or sudden drops/falls. - **Unusual repetitive movements**, lip-smacking, fiddling, or confusion. Some of these can look like daydreaming or [stimming](/autism/stimming), which makes them easy to miss. Suspect a possible seizure if your child *can't* be brought out of the episode, seems confused afterwards, or it happens in a consistent, out-of-character way. When unsure, film it and show your doctor. ## Getting it checked and managing it If you think your child may have had a seizure: - **See a doctor.** A first suspected seizure should always be assessed. - **Keep a record** — a phone video and notes of time, length and what you saw are extremely helpful, because children rarely have a seizure during the appointment. - **Diagnosis** may involve a specialist and tests (such as an EEG). - **Management** — epilepsy is usually well controlled with medication; your team will guide dosing and a seizure plan. - **Tell school** and share the seizure plan so staff know what to do. With the right plan in place, most children with epilepsy live full, active lives. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are seizures common in autistic children? Epilepsy is more common in autistic children than in other children, with higher likelihood in early childhood and the teenage years. Even so, most autistic children do not have epilepsy. ### What does a seizure look like? It varies — from convulsions to subtle 'absence' seizures (brief staring or blanking out), sudden jerks or drops, or unusual repetitive movements and confusion. Some can be mistaken for daydreaming or stimming. ### What should I do if my child has a seizure? Stay calm, time it, move hard objects away, cushion the head, and turn them gently on their side. Don't restrain them or put anything in their mouth, and stay with them until they recover. ### When should I call an ambulance? Call emergency services if a seizure lasts more than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes breathing problems or injury, or if it's their first seizure or you're unsure. ## Sources - Epilepsy — NHS - Epilepsy and developmental disabilities — CDC - Seizures in children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) --- **Not medical advice.** This information is general and educational. Always speak to a qualified professional about your individual child. Free parent tools: build printable communication cards at https://autismparentguide.org/toolkit/cards