Kanner syndrome, also known as early infantile autism, is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects communication and social skills. Symptoms vary and may include repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivity, and learning disabilities. Treatment involves improving communication and social skills using positive reinforcement. The cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may contribute. Diagnosis can occur as early as 18 months of age.
Kanner syndrome was first recognized in 1943 by a doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital who called the syndrome early infantile autism. Autism belongs to a group of neuropsychiatric diagnoses known as pervasive developmental disorders and which include both Asperger syndrome and Rett syndrome. Infants and children with Kanner syndrome may show a lack of communication and social skills early on or may develop normally, only to regress upon withdrawal. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, as does treatment, which generally includes methods of improving communication and social skills using the child’s special interests and the use of positive reinforcement.
Some children inherit Kanner syndrome by acquiring a genetic defect. Researchers theorize that many factors could contribute to the syndrome, including environmental conditions or immune system or metabolic disorders. Scientists also believe that mineral and vitamin deficiencies or food allergies can trigger symptoms. Autistic symptoms can also occur due to other neurological disorders.
Symptoms associated with Kanner syndrome sometimes begin in early childhood. Infants may avoid eye contact, not respond to audio or verbal stimulation, and not vocalize, leading parents to wonder if the child is deaf. Children with the syndrome often do not respond to the facial expressions of others and often remain expressionless themselves. Professionals can diagnose the condition in babies as young as 18 months of age.
Children with Kanner syndrome may not use language and may have difficulty combining words into sentences. Teens also don’t use gestures like pointing to sign to indicate needs or wants. Affected children usually display unique characteristics when playing with toys. Instead of showing curiosity or imagination during play, they show fascination with a toy’s particular abilities. Children with Kanner syndrome might seem content to keep spinning the wheels of a toy car or repeatedly arranging toys in a row.
Repetitive behaviors are common symptoms of Kanner syndrome. Juveniles may rock back and forth continuously or engage in repetitive hand motions. They might also engage in head banging or slapping. These children often keep to themselves and seem uninterested in interacting with people or things in their environment. Some develop hypersensitivity to sound and may cry or feel fearful when they hear the telephone ring or thunder rumble.
Affected children may also develop other sensory sensitivity disorders involving smell, taste, and touch. They may find some smells or tastes particularly offensive or refuse to wear a specific item of clothing because of the way it feels. Older children with Kanner syndrome may have learning disabilities or varying degrees of mental retardation.
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