Dell Children’s helps family find hope for their epileptic son’s future

Dell Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Ascension Seton provides advanced neurologic care for epilepsy in children.
On his last day of fourth grade in Austin, Texas, Asher Redding had a seizure that took his family by surprise. While walking to the car with his mother after school, Asher slowed down and fell into a seizure. "Watching your kid go through a major seizure is probably one of the most traumatic things that you’ll ever experience as a parent," shared David Redding, Asher's father.
Asher was adopted from Ethiopia in 2008, and as he started to grow, the family discovered that he had neurologic disorders like ADHD and impulsivity.
Getting comprehensive pediatric neurology close to home was necessary for the Redding family. Asher's dad knew he would find the answers to what was going on with his son from Dave F. Clarke, MD, a pediatric neurologist at Dell Children's. "Dr. Clark is certainly the preeminent epilepsy doctor in the country, and we are fortunate to have him here in Austin," said David.
Dell Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Ascension Seton is designated a Level 4 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy for providing the most complex forms of intensive neurodiagnostic monitoring for neurological disorders.
Through Dell Children's urgent scheduling model, families can get access to see a neurologist quicker to assess their symptoms. "Prompt treatment is critically important for some neurological conditions," sharedEwell Roach, MD, a pediatric neurologist at Dell Children's. "Being able to reassure the family quickly is a much-needed kindness."
Asher was quickly scheduled for an overnight stay to monitor his brain activity. After two overnight monitoring sessions, the neurology care team noticed that Asher had minor tick-type seizures. Dr. Clark was able to prescribe some medication to help treat Asher's seizures. Since seeing Dr. Clark, Asher has not had a seizure in seven years.
Dr. Clark referred the family to continue care with an advanced practice provider for pediatric neurosciences, Sally Monahan, DNP-CPNP-PC, for checkups. "We immediately developed a rapport with her. It was clear that she and Dr. Clark were communicating," David said. "We felt like everyone here understood the problems and how to best address those."
Today, Asher is driving his new truck and is happy to be able to be a normal teenager. Since receiving care for his epilepsy, Asher's parents are relieved for his future. "This isn't something that will debilitate him for the rest of his life," said David.
At Dell Children’s we deliver advanced care for pediatric neurologic disorders.You child’s care is connected and that means we’re answering your questions, providing consistent follow-up and supporting you, and helping make sure you have all the information to make the right choice for your child. Click here to learn more about advanced neurology care for children in Central Texas.
Last updated: January 30, 2025