How common are seizures for people w/ ASDs? [Archive]

wallyw1

11-25-2008, 12:34 PM

Hi Kristen,Koley's Mom
We have heard that the 25% to 40% of autistic people have some type of seizure disorder. Wally's seizures (GM's) started when he was 9 or 10 and continue now even with the ALS. We tried various meds through out the years but nothing really helped--he had as many seizures of the same severity on the meds as he had off the meds.

He was off the meds for years but last year one of the contributing factors to his need to be trached was that he had 2 or 3 seizures in a row and because his chest muscles were so weak from the ALS he couldnt get his breath and went into respiratory arrest 3 times within about 2 hours. At this point the effects of the ALS on his chest muscles has made it impossible for him to breathe on his own so he is on a vent 24/7. So now, even when he has a seizure he is still getting sufficient oxygen because of the vent machine breathing for him.

Also, when he had the trach, his Dr suggested that we try KEPPRA to help control the seizures. He still has them--maybe he would be having more without the KEPPRA-who knows.

The Italians are doing a lot of good research. They did some on Lithium a year or so back to help slow the ALS progress. I think I'll eat more pizza and spaghetti, it might help with my thinking.

Wally's Dad