Our family's journey with absence seizures.

“An account of a normal childhood interrupted — but not defined — by absence seizures.

Harvey was born in late 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. He had a happy, confident early childhood and was meeting all the expected developmental milestones.

On a family holiday when Harvey was four, he experienced his first absence seizure. That moment marked a real shift for him and for our family. Our adventurous little boy, who loved taking risks, climbing, and riding his bike, became more cautious and reserved. We began to notice changes both emotionally and physically, particularly in his fine motor skills and confidence.

Despite these challenges, Harvey has continued to thrive in many ways. He is happy and positive. His seizures do not define his life, though he understands that there are some things other children can do more freely. He does not take medication for his seizures and continues to do well physically, emotionally and educationally. He has a wide range of interests, passions and hobbies, and most people don't know that he has absence seizures. From the outside, he appears completely typical.

Over the years we explored many different approaches — including supplements, medication, and dietary changes — always with a strong interest in natural ways to support his health. This website is our personal account of that journey: how Harvey's seizures presented, the patterns and changes we noticed, the decisions we made, and the research we pursued as parents determined to understand what was happening.

We share our story in the hope that it may offer understanding, encouragement, and useful information to other families navigating absence seizures.