PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions characterized by sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. These disorders have been linked to the development of autistic behaviors due to their impact on the immune system and brain inflammation.

In PANS and PANDAS, an aberrant immune response, often triggered by infections, targets the brain, causing inflammation and leading to the manifestation of various neuropsychiatric symptoms. The resulting disruption in neural functioning and communication can contribute to the emergence of autistic behaviors in affected children.