Factor associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autism: a systematic review.

This research looked at what makes some autistic people more likely to develop epilepsy. They reviewed 53 studies with over 250,000 autistic people and found that 7% also had epilepsy. The strongest connection was between having an intellectual disability and developing epilepsy. Other possible risk factors weren't clearly proven. Most studies weren't high quality, so more research is needed.

This systematic review analyzed 53 studies encompassing 257,892 autistic individuals to identify factors associated with epilepsy occurrence in autism. The review found that 7% of autistic individuals had co-occurring epilepsy. Intellectual disability/cognitive impairment emerged as the most consistently reported risk factor for epilepsy development in autistic people. However, evidence for other potential risk factors was weak and inconsistent across studies.

Study quality was generally poor, with only 9 of 53 studies rated as 'good' quality, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn about risk factors beyond intellectual disability.

Clinicians should prioritize epilepsy screening and monitoring in autistic individuals with intellectual disability. The weak evidence base for other risk factors highlights the need for better quality research to develop comprehensive screening protocols and risk assessment tools.

Poor study quality was a major limitation, with only 9 of 53 studies rated as 'good' quality. This significantly impacts the reliability of findings and limits confidence in identifying risk factors beyond intellectual disability.

This systematic review aimed to identify factors significantly associated with the occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals and to consider the impact of study quality on findings. Electronic databases were systematically searched on October 2nd, 2020 and records retrieved were limited to those published from 2000 onwards. Study quality was categorised as 'good', 'moderate' or 'weak'. Fifty-three studies were included and in studies where the prevalence of epilepsy was reported (n = 257,892), 18,254 (7%) had co-occurring epilepsy.

Intellectual disability/cognitive impairment was the most commonly reported risk factor associated with occurrence of epilepsy in autistic individuals. The evidence supporting other, potentially relevant factors was weak and inconsistent and requires further evaluation. Only 9/53 studies were considered 'good' quality.