As a parent, you want to understand your child’s unique needs. You might have heard the word “neurodivergent” and wondered if epilepsy is part of it. Epilepsy is increasingly recognized as a disease that reaches well beyond seizures. Epilepsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of adults and children. It’s a seizure disorder and a neurological disturbance. Epilepsy can be described as a spectrum disorder, which means it’s multifactorial and multifaceted. In this post, we’ll explore the question, “Is epilepsy neurodivergent?” and give you the information you need to support your child better. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
What is Neurodiversity?
Before we talk about epilepsy, let’s quickly explain what neurodiversity means. Neurodiversity is the idea that human brains are different and that thinking and learning differences are normal. Neurodivergent kids have brains that work differently from most people, often because of conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.
Understanding neurodiversity can help you better support your child and create an inclusive environment for them. Goally, for example, offers learning tablets and apps designed specifically for neurodivergent kids, helping them learn and grow at their own pace.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. These seizures happen because of unusual electrical activity in the brain and can show up in different ways, like muscle spasms, passing out, or strange feelings. Epilepsy affects about 1 in 26 people in the United States, so it’s pretty common.
Read more: Kids on the Spectrum | What to Know
Managing epilepsy can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, kids with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives. Goally’s tools can also be helpful for kids with epilepsy, as they provide structure and consistency, which can be beneficial in managing their condition.
Is Epilepsy Neurodivergent?
Now, let’s answer the main question: is epilepsy neurodivergent? While epilepsy is a brain disorder, it’s not usually part of the neurodiversity movement. The main reason is that epilepsy is a medical condition with specific symptoms and treatments. In contrast, neurodivergent conditions are more about how people think and behave differently.
Read More: What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
However, it’s important to know that some people with epilepsy might also have neurodivergent conditions, like autism or ADHD. In these cases, understanding and supporting their neurodivergent needs is very important for their overall well-being.
Helping Kids with Epilepsy and Neurodivergent Conditions
If your child has epilepsy, a neurodivergent condition, or both, giving the right support is key.
Here are some tips to assist you on this journey:
- Learn: Find out as much as you can about your child’s condition(s) to better understand their needs and speak up for them.
- Talk: Keep open and honest communication with your child, their teachers, and doctors to make sure everyone is aware of what’s going on.
- Help at school: Work with your child’s school to make sure they get the right help, like extra time on tests, better seating, or different assignments.
- Find support: Connect with other parents and support groups to share experiences, resources, and advice.
- Encourage: Celebrate your child’s strengths and achievements, and encourage them to follow their interests and passions.
Using tools like Goally can also be beneficial in providing structure and routine for kids with epilepsy and neurodivergent conditions. This can help them feel more secure and confident in their daily lives.
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
Understanding the Connection: Epilepsy and Neurodivergent Conditions
While epilepsy itself is not considered neurodivergent, it’s important to know that there might be a connection between epilepsy and neurodivergent conditions.
Research shows that people with epilepsy are more likely to have other neurodivergent conditions, like:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
Understanding this connection can help you better support your child and make sure they get the right help for their unique needs.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating Your Child’s Unique Path
So, even though epilepsy is not considered neurodivergent, it’s important to recognize the possible connection with neurodivergent conditions and give your child the support they need. By learning, talking, and standing up for your child’s needs, you can help them succeed and enjoy their unique path. Remember, every child is different, and there’s no perfect way to be a parent. Stay open-minded, flexible, and kind, and you’ll be ready to handle the challenges and joys of raising a child with epilepsy or neurodivergent conditions. With the right support, resources like Goally, and a loving environment, your child can thrive and reach their full potential.
FAQ’s About Epilepsy
Is epilepsy considered a neurodivergent condition? Yes, epilepsy is considered a neurodivergent condition as it involves atypical neurological development and functioning. How does epilepsy affect learning in children? Epilepsy can impact a child's learning abilities through cognitive challenges, attention difficulties, memory problems, or frequent absences from school due to seizures. Can visual schedules and rewards help children with epilepsy? Yes, visual schedules and rewards can enhance structure, predictability, and motivation in a child with epilepsy, promoting a more conducive learning environment. Are emotional regulation apps useful for kids with epilepsy? Emotional regulation apps can assist children with epilepsy in managing stress and anxiety, which may help reduce seizure triggers and improve overall well-being. How can parents best support a child with epilepsy? Parents can support their child with epilepsy by maintaining consistent routines, providing emotional support, encouraging open communication, and working closely with healthcare and education professionals.
This post was originally published on 04/20/2023. It was updated on 02/09/2024.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
