Despite the fact that
seizures are commonly associated with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the effectiveness of treatments for
seizures has not been well studied in individuals with ASD. This manuscript reviews both traditional and novel treatments for
seizures associated with ASD. Studies were selected by systematically searching major electronic databases and by a panel of experts that treat ASD individuals. Only a few anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have undergone carefully controlled trials in ASD, but these trials examined outcomes other than
seizures. Several lines of evidence point to
valproate,
lamotrigine, and
levetiracetam as the most effective and tolerable AEDs for individuals with ASD. Limited evidence supports the use of traditional non-AED treatments, such as the ketogenic and modified
Atkins diet, multiple subpial transections,
immunomodulation, and
neurofeedback treatments. Although specific treatments may be more appropriate for specific genetic and
metabolic syndromes associated with ASD and
seizures, there are few studies which have documented the effectiveness of treatments for
seizures for specific syndromes. Limited evidence supports
l-carnitine, multivitamins, and
N-acetyl-l-cysteine in
mitochondrial disease and dysfunction,
folinic acid in cerebral
folate abnormalities and early treatment with
vigabatrin in
tuberous sclerosis complex. Finally, there is limited evidence for a number of novel treatments, particularly
magnesium with
pyridoxine,
omega-3 fatty acids, the
gluten-free
casein-free diet, and low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic simulation.
Zinc and
l-carnosine are potential novel treatments supported by basic research but not clinical studies. This review demonstrates the wide variety of treatments used to treat
seizures in individuals with ASD as well as the striking lack of clinical trials performed to support the use of these treatments. Additional studies concerning these treatments for controlling
seizures in individuals with ASD are warranted.