Concerns About Potential Focal Seizures in a 7-Year-Old
Hello everyone. I have a 7-year-old son who has been diagnosed with ADHD and is on the autism spectrum, specifically described as "high functioning." He also experiences significant anxiety. Recently, he has been expressing that it feels as if he’s living in a dream state, even while awake. Initially, I attributed this sensation to derealization, a feeling I am familiar with due to my own anxiety experiences. However, just yesterday, he voiced that once again he felt dream-like, and subsequently remarked that his arms had a floaty sensation, similar to what he experiences when laughing gas is administered during dental visits. He displays full awareness of his surroundings and articulates these sensations clearly as they occur; in fact, he continued to engage with his tablet and enjoyed a snack while discussing his feelings. I couldn't help but recall instances where I have read about focal seizures, which seem to present as feelings of slight disorientation without any noticeable changes in behavior. I'm uncertain about how subtle these manifestations can be. Is it possible that I might not observe any typical seizure symptoms at all? Should I be worried about this, or does it seem more like sensory processing issues stemming from his anxiety or sensory processing disorder? Deciphering these nuances can be quite challenging when navigating these situations with children. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 3:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your son's sensations and the potential connection to seizures or other issues. The symptoms you've described, such as feeling dream-like and the "floaty" sensation, could stem from various causes, including sensory processing issues, anxiety, or even focal seizures. Let's break this down.
Explanation:
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Focal Seizures: These can sometimes be subtle and may not always present with visible movements or loss of awareness. Instead, they can manifest as unusual sensations (like the dream-like or floaty feelings your son described), and the individual remains aware of their environment. However, the exact nature of these feelings can overlap with other conditions, especially considering your son’s existing diagnoses of ADHD and being on the Autism Spectrum.
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Sensory Processing: Children on the autism spectrum often have different ways of processing sensory information, which can lead to feelings of disorientation or unusual bodily sensations. Anxiety can further amplify these symptoms, making them feel more pronounced.
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Derealization and Anxiety: Given your son's anxiety, the feelings of dream-like experiences might also be a manifestation of this anxiety rather than a neurological issue.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of his experiences, noting when they occur, how long they last, and any other relevant behaviors or contexts. This could help in identifying patterns.
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Seek a Neurological Evaluation: Consult a pediatric neurologist, especially since you are concerned about the possibility of focal seizures. They can conduct appropriate assessments, such as an EEG, to determine if there’s a neurological basis to his sensations.
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Consult with a Therapist: Given his anxiety and sensory processing concerns, working with a child therapist who specializes in anxiety and autism may also be beneficial. They can help develop coping strategies for both his anxiety and sensory experiences.
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Maintain Open Communication: Continue talking with your son about his feelings, reassuring him that it’s okay to discuss anything he experiences. This will help him feel supported and more at ease.
Your vigilance is commendable, and addressing these concerns with professional consultations can offer clarity. It's essential to combine observations with expert advice to ensure the best support for your son. Let me know if you have more questions or need additional clarification.
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