My son now 36, was diagnosed with complex partial seizures as a child. however reading in here the difference between those and absence seizures i wonder can a person have both?

Try hypnosis; it works.

By definition and age NO! Absence seizures occur in younger folks, and are pretty much transitioned to other types of epilepsy by age 18 or 19, such as complex partial seizures. Seriously doubt he might have 2 varieties of seizures at the same time. Instead, use the medications appropriate to control these Psychomotor Seizures. Many excellent choices are present.