Each November, National Epilepsy Awareness Month invites us to deepen our understanding of seizure disorders and their impact on people's lives. For AAC users and the Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who support them, this month is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote safety and inclusion for individuals living with epilepsy.
Seizure disorders can affect communication in a number of ways. For individuals who rely on AAC, seizures may interrupt access to their device, alter motor planning, or temporarily impair cognitive-linguistic functioning. SLPs play a vital role in recognizing these changes, adapting communication supports and collaborating with families and care teams to ensure continuity and safety. Emily Bemiller, an AAC Consultant at TTMT shares some of her experiences caring for someone with Epilepsy.
Why it matters
Seizure types vary widely, some are subtle, like a blank stare or brief confusion, while others are easier to detect.
Understanding these presentations helps SLPs tailor communication strategies and anticipate support needs.
Seizure triggers such as fatigue, illness, or missed medication can affect AAC access and expressive language. SLPs can help identify patterns and adjust communication plans accordingly.
Seizure syndromes like Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut often co-occur with complex communication needs. People may benefit from robust AAC systems and consistent modeling to support expressive and receptive language.
Ellie using a Grid pad 13.
Supporting awareness
Families and clinicians often wear purple or participate in the Purple Pumpkin Project to spark conversations and show solidarity for Epilepsy Awareness Month. These small acts can lead to big changes in understanding and acceptance.
Key facts
- Nearly 3 million adults and 456,000 children in the U.S. live with active epilepsy.
- 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
- Epilepsy is common, but public understanding is not. That’s where we come in.
Safety first
Seizure first aid is essential knowledge for anyone supporting individuals with epilepsy:
- Stay calm and time the seizure.
- Turn the person on their side if convulsive.
- Never put anything in their mouth.
- Stay with them until they’re fully alert.
- Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or repeats without recovery.
SLPs can also help families prepare communication supports for emergency situations, such as pre-programmed messages on AAC devices (“I need help,” “I’m having a seizure,” “Call my caregiver”).
A personal perspective
As a parent of a child with a genetic epilepsy syndrome, I’ve seen how seizures affect every part of life, including communication. My daughter Ellie uses AAC and experiences daily seizures despite medication and a Vagal Nerve Stimulator. We’ve leaned on resources like the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, which provides seizure monitoring devices, wish trips, and support for service dogs trained in seizure response.
Emily and her daughter Ellie.
Whether you’re an SLP, AAC specialist, educator, or caregiver, your role in epilepsy awareness is vital. Let’s use our platforms, our classrooms, clinics, and communities to advocate for safety, understanding and communication access for all.
To learn more or support families affected by epilepsy, visit the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation.
Written by:
Emily Bemiller
AAC Consultant