By Elodie Vaz | Published on May 13,
2026 | 4 min read
Epilepsy and autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) are two neurodevelopmental conditions that are
frequently associated. Although their coexistence has been known for several
years, the underlying mechanisms remain widely debated. A study published on
May 6 in the journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
provides new insights based on a large population-based cohort. It confirms
that children with epilepsy have a significantly increased risk of developing
ASD, while also identifying several clinical factors associated with this
comorbidity.
Epilepsy and autism: a
frequent link
The main objective of the
Mayo Clinic researchers was to compare the prevalence of ASD in children with
and without epilepsy, and to identify factors that might explain this
association. The variables studied included sex, age at autism diagnosis and
the presence of intellectual disability. The aim was to better characterize
at-risk profiles in order to improve clinical detection.
How the researchers
proceeded
The study was based on a
retrospective analysis of the medical records of 30,490 children from the
Olmsted County, Minnesota, birth cohort. Among them, 257 children, or 0.84%,
had been diagnosed with epilepsy before the age of 19. The researchers compared
ASD prevalence using different diagnostic definitions — broad research
criteria, stricter criteria and clinical diagnosis — in order to ensure the
robustness of the results.
Results that raise
questions
The data show a clear
increase in autism prevalence among children with epilepsy, regardless of the
criteria used:
- 21.4% versus 3.2% according to broad criteria
- 14.0% versus 1.6% according to strict
criteria
- 7.9% versus 0.7% for clinical diagnosis
Beyond this
overrepresentation, several factors distinguished children with both
conditions. They were more likely to have intellectual disability — 56.5%
versus 15.4% — more often girls — 38.2% versus 25.8% — and received an autism
diagnosis earlier, at 7.4 years compared with 8.7 years.
Better screening to
act earlier
These results suggest
that overall neurodevelopmental severity could play a key role in this
comorbidity. Intellectual disability appears in particular to be an important
marker, possibly reflecting more diffuse or earlier brain involvement. In
addition, the higher proportion of girls is noteworthy, in a context where
autism is usually underdiagnosed in girls.
The authors emphasize the
practical implications of these observations. “These observations highlight
clinically relevant differences within this group and underline the importance
of early recognition of developmental issues,” Mariya Saify said in a press
release.
However, despite this
increased risk, ASD diagnosis may still remain delayed in children with
epilepsy. As Dr. Elaine C. Wirrell notes: “Our findings emphasize the
importance of autism screening in this population in order to promote early
diagnosis and timely intervention, two essential elements for improving
long-term outcomes.”
This study confirms the
existence of a strong link between epilepsy and autism, while highlighting
associated factors such as intellectual disability, female sex and age at
diagnosis. These elements support systematic screening for neurodevelopmental
disorders in children with epilepsy.
The findings also raise
the question of biological mechanisms common to both conditions, whether
genetic, structural or functional. Future research will need to explore these
avenues to better understand developmental trajectories and, ultimately, propose
more targeted care strategies.
Read next: What
if stem cells could speak autism?
About the Author – Elodie Vaz
Health journalist, CFPJ graduate (2023).
Élodie explores the marks diseases leave on bodies and, more broadly, on
human life. A registered nurse since 2010, she spent twelve years at patients’
bedsides before exchanging her stethoscope for a notebook. She now investigates
the links between environment and health, convinced that the vitality of life
cannot be reduced to that of humans
