The Autism Society of Greater Akron will offer a free workshop titled, “Autism & Epilepsy – A Much Needed Discussion” on Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Autism Society of Greater Akron offices, 701 S. Main St.
The reality of children with autism developing epilepsy is one that is not often discussed openly with parents until it happens to their child. Approximately one-third of children with autism will develop a seizure disorder, with many occurring during adolescence and young adulthood.
At the workshop, Tana Alexander will share her son’s journey to prepare parents for the possibility having learned from personal experience. She will chronicle his development as a child with autism who was non-verbal with an intellectual deficit to his seizure development and untimely passing as a young adult. Alexander was an associate professor of Music (Voice) at the University of Akron for 25 years and a past vice president of the Autism Society of Greater Akron.
From absence seizures to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a seizure can be hard to distinguish in a person with autism. Attendees will learn:
- Biological relationship between ASD and epilepsy
- General signs of seizure activity in children – types of seizures
- Techniques to use when a child has a seizure
- Resources – websites, support groups, practical questions to ask doctors
To register, visit autismakron.org or call (330) 940-1441.
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is part of a nationwide network of affiliates that are part of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage and Medina counties (OH) and works locally to achieve its mission –to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the autism spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and, providing educational opportunities and support for families, providers, doctors, educators and others on how best to support someone with autism.
