A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. This can cause a range of physical and behavioral symptoms, including muscle jerks, loss of awareness, or unusual movements. In most cases, seizures are short and last only a few minutes, but they can be distressing for both the child and those around them.
While this can be concerning, it’s important to understand how to manage seizures effectively to keep your child safe and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what seizures are, how to recognize them, and what steps you can take to support your child.
Why Do Children with Autism Get Seizures?
Children with autism are more likely to have seizures than children without autism. In fact, studies show that around 20-30% of children with autism experience seizures at some point. The exact reason for this is not fully understood, but it may be related to differences in brain development and activity that are common in children with autism.
How to Recognize Seizures in Children with Autism
Seizures can look different in children with autism compared to children who don’t have the condition. This is partly because behaviors such as repetitive movements or staring may be mistaken for other autism-related behaviors. However, here are some common signs that a seizure may be happening:
- Staring or “spacing out”: The child may suddenly stop what they are doing and appear to be unresponsive.
- Unusual body movements: Jerking or stiffening of limbs, or sudden repetitive movements like clenching fists or shaking.
- Changes in breathing: Breathing may become shallow or irregular during a seizure.
- Loss of awareness: The child may not respond to their name or instructions during a seizure.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to remain calm and monitor the situation carefully.
What to Do When a Seizure Happens
When your child has a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and ensure they are safe. Here are the steps to take:
During the Seizure:
- Stay calm: Keep yourself composed so you can think clearly.
- Protect your child: Gently move them away from any dangerous objects or sharp corners.
- Time the seizure: Keep track of how long the seizure lasts. Most seizures last less than 5 minutes.
- Don’t try to restrain them: Allow the seizure to run its course. Don’t hold the child down or try to stop their movements.
After the Seizure:
- Comfort your child: Once the seizure is over, your child may be confused or tired. Offer comfort and reassurance.
- Observe and record: Write down the duration and any unusual behaviors you noticed during the seizure. This information can be helpful for medical professionals.
- Seek medical help if necessary: If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if another seizure follows immediately, call for medical help.
Treatments for Seizures
While seizures can be concerning, there are several treatment options available to help manage them.
- Medications: Doctors often prescribe anti-seizure medications to control seizure activity. The type of medication will depend on the child’s specific needs, and it may take some time to find the right one.
- Other Treatments: In some cases, diet changes such as the ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet) may help reduce seizures. Your doctor may also recommend other therapies, like neurofeedback, depending on your child’s needs.
Creating a Plan for Seizures
It’s important to create an emergency action plan for seizures. This plan should include:
- How to respond during a seizure: Know the steps to take to keep your child safe, such as moving them away from danger and timing the seizure.
- When to call for help: Understand when it’s necessary to call 911 or seek medical assistance, especially if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- Tracking seizures: Keep a record of the date, time, and duration of each seizure. This information will help doctors adjust treatments and monitor progress.
- Providing clear instructions to caregivers: Make sure other caregivers, family members, and friends know what to do in case of a seizure.
- Involving the school: Share the plan with your child’s school, so teachers and staff are prepared and know how to assist during a seizure at school.
You can also ask your child’s school to be involved in the plan, ensuring teachers and staff know how to help in case of a seizure at school.
Supporting Your Child
After a seizure, your child may feel disoriented or anxious. Here’s how to support them:
- Emotional support: Reassure your child and make them feel safe after the seizure. Be patient and understanding if they are upset or confused.
- Communicate with family and school: Talk to siblings and teachers about the seizures so they can be prepared and supportive if one occurs.
- Ongoing support: Help your child adjust to the experience by encouraging them to talk about their feelings and helping them through any anxiety they may have.
Conclusion
Seizures can be scary for both children and parents, but with the right knowledge and preparation, they can be managed. Keep track of your child’s seizures, follow your doctor’s advice, and make sure your child’s school and caregivers are informed about how to help. With a solid plan in place and the right treatments, your child can lead a safe and happy life, even with the challenges of autism and seizures.
At Childwise ABA, an ABA therapy in Cleveland, we’re here to support you in every step of your child’s journey. We specialize in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. Our team of experienced professionals can help develop personalized strategies for managing seizures, improving daily living skills, and supporting your child’s overall development.
If you need guidance or support in creating a seizure management plan or would like more information on how ABA therapy can benefit your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.