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A conundrum often faced by those with autism and/or epilepsy is the confusion between these seemingly disparate conditions. Many facets of autism spectrum disorder can have aspects that are similar to the presentation of epilepsy and vice versa. To help remedy these fundamental roadblocks to good care and management, Caren Haines with input from Nancy Minshew, published a new book entitled “Silently Seizing: Common, Unrecognized and Frequently Missed Seizures and Their Potentially Damaging Impact on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, an Essential Guide for Parents and Professionals.” The goal for this book was to; in essence, provide a practical guide to caregivers, parents and patients who are uncertain if autism or epilepsy explains all of the symptoms in a given case. Put another way, has the patient been labeled appropriately from a diagnostic standpoint with either autism or epilepsy? It is well known that autism and epilepsy share many common signs and symptoms. There is a higher frequency of seizure disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Because of this and due to the lack of definitive diagnostic tests other than an EEG for recording seizures in epilepsy, patients often are not treated appropriately or adequately for either condition.

This easy to read book provides a lot of information on the connections between autism and epilepsy. Among nine chapters, the authors present a well organized approach to understanding and dealing with autism and epilepsy. The chapters survey epilepsy, then autism in turn, illuminating the connections that can occur between both of these conditions. Sprinkled throughout the text are numerous anecdotes, patient stories and incredibly helpful tips and hints as to how to help physicians see the connections or perhaps reconsider diagnoses in given situations.

The chapter on the psychiatric view of both conditions is particularly appealing and quite useful for both professionals and patients alike. This book is a must read for anybody who is interested in understanding the multiple similarities, differences and approaches to dealing with silently seizing. Because of the fragmented nature of healthcare in the United States, it is important to empower oneself with knowledge so as to serve as one’s own best advocate. Understanding this fundamental tenet may help to ask more questions and get the appropriate care that each and every person deserves. This book goes a long way to help cement a foundation for understanding this condition from a multidisciplinary perspective.

by Joseph I. Sirven, MD
Editor-in-Chief, epilepsy.com
Last Reviewed: 11/28/2012