Abstract

Autism is associated with epilepsy in early childhood, with evidence suggesting that individuals with both autism and more severecognitive impairment are at higher risk. The frequency of an abnormal electroencephalogram and/or epilepsy in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not well defined. The aim of the study to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with ASD. Epilepsy was diagnosed in (26.7%) of children. Overall, the electroencephalogram was abnormal in (11%) of children whereas 89% of the children had normal electroencephalograms. Abnormal electroencephalogram was found in (26%) of children with epilepsy and in (5%) of children without epilepsy. Identification of children with increased risk for epilepsy has important implication for the prognosis and treatment of the disease.

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