ASD child and EEG-how do we achieve this?

[MrsBobDylan]

DS is 8 and has ASD and goes to an MLD school. He is very resistant to change, for example, he hasn't worn a coat for the last 4 years as he can't cope with items that don't stay on all the time. In the snow he just wears a sweatshirt and joggers, no coat, hat, gloves or welly's

Anyhoo...we have thought he has a nighttime epilepsy for years now. His older brother and cousin have a hereditary form too.
Last night I filmed a seizure which I haven't managed to do before.

I want him to get a diagnosis and look into medication (brother and niece unmediated as don't need it) as he often vomits during his seizures and I'm worried that he might choke.

But (and sorry for the long post) how do I get this change resistant little guy to have electrodes stuck to his head? Anyone got any top tips?

[OneInEight]

Ring up the hospital in advance and ask for their advice and help. We did this for a totally unrelated problem for ds1 (also who has an ASC) and they were brilliant in arranging the appointment to be as stress free as possible - quiet waiting space & first in the queue etc.

For specifically the head touching social stories so he knows what to expect and possibly arm brushing to desensitise (have heard it works wonder for those children who hate having their hair cut due to sensory issues).

[Onceuponatimethen]

I would also suggest ringing the epilepsy charity - think it is epilepsy action.

As I’m sue you know epilepsy goes together with a lot of other conditions that may make it hard for a child to tolerate the eeg. They may have advice too

[Onceuponatimethen]

This has helpful info

www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/02/10/autism-speaks-atnwork-so-your-child-needs-eeg-…

[MrsBobDylan]

I am hoping that my son's paed, who is also an epilepsy specialist, will have some kind of tried and tested solution for this kind of scenario, ha!

I was pleasantly surprised when ds had his adenoids out at Christmas that the anaesthetist rustled up some nice pre-med as agreed, which made the whole process so much more achievable. However, it didn't make ds calm and sleepy, he just became elated and hyper and at one point launched himself off the bed head first which is not very eeg compatible!


Thanks for the suggestions. I have read up on sleep EEGs and if they can put the electrodes on while he is asleep with a sedative, we might be with a chance.