Figure 2.
Proposed mechanism underlying the relationship between epilepsy and ASD. The comorbidity of ASD with other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as epilepsy, can be conceptualized in two main ways. In pathway 1, a genetic variant or mutation causes aberrant brain development or function, leading to seizures, which in turn impair early cognitive and social development. In pathway 2, ASD and epilepsy represent two sequelae of a common process, starting from a genetic variant or mutation that leads to aberrant brain development. These scenarios are not mutually exclusive. Abbreviation: ASD, autism spectrum disorder.