Common co-occurring conditions

There are some conditions or disorders that children with epilepsy may also have. These are called co-occurring conditions. You may also hear them being called comorbidities.  

Co-occurring conditions with epilepsy vary from child to child, as well as how severe they are and the impact they have on a child’s quality of life.  

It’s important to get co-occurring conditions diagnosed early so that you can get the right help and support. 

In this section we talk about autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) and emotional disorders. 

We also describe what treatment and support may be available to help manage co-occurring conditions alongside epilepsy. 

In this section:

Epilepsy and autism

Learn how autism and epilepsy can occur together in children and young people, and how to recognise signs and improve everyday experiences.

Epilepsy and emotional disorders

Learn how emotional disorders like anxiety and depression can affect children with epilepsy, and how to recognise signs and reduce everyday challenges.

More information about epilepsy

Causes of epilepsy

Learn about the causes of epilepsy, including genetic, metabolic, unknown origins, and epilepsy in infants, from Young Epilepsy.

Epilepsy syndromes

Learn about common childhood and rare infancy epilepsy syndromes in this informative guide from Young Epilepsy.

Epileptic seizures

Understand epileptic seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for living with epilepsy.

Diagnosing epilepsy

Find out how epilepsy is diagnosed, what to expect at your first appointment, and how to get the right support for children and young people.

Treatments for epilepsy

Explore various epilepsy treatments, including medication, surgery, and dietary options. Find resources and support for managing epilepsy effectively.