Having Both Autism and Epilepsy Linked to Raised Death Rates

People with both autism and epilepsy have a much higher death rate than those with autism alone, a new study finds.

Researchers examined brain tissue donated to the Autism Speaks Autism Tissue Program, and found that 39 percent of the donors with autism also had epilepsy, which is significantly higher than the estimated rate of epilepsy among the general autism population.

The study authors also examined data from the California State Department of Developmental Services, and found that people with both autism and epilepsy have an 800 percent higher death rate than those with autism alone.

Read the full article at businessweek.com