The author suggests that pragmatic impairment be evaluated in every child with epilepsy and autism in order to help those children who may have subtle communication problems.

This study was designed to determine the ability of children with autism and a history of epilepsy to communicate appropriately (pragmatics). Epilepsy is fairly common in children and is associated with lower IQs. Children whose epilepsy began early (younger than 1½ years of age) are most likely to have problems learning and with language and communication. Consequently, they are most likely to be diagnosed as autistic. Specifically, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a form of epilepsy that is associated with autistic regression.