Childhood schizophrenia happens. Although this chronic brain disorder is more common in adults, cases of hallucinations in children as young as 5 years of age have been reported. However, parents should not panic, as pediatric schizophrenia only develops in about 1 in 40,000 children. As a parent, if you suspect something is very wrong, it usually is. Especially if schizophrenia runs in the family, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of early-onset schizophrenia. Childhood schizophrenia is a difficult diagnosis. Its symptoms are often mistaken for autism, Asperger's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Laboratory tests and psychiatric evaluations are needed to distinguish this brain malfunction from other mental problems. What are the symptoms of early-onset schizophrenia? Children experience symptoms similar to adult schizophrenia, including social withdrawal, hallucinations, and delusions. This mental illness develops gradually, starting from the infant and childhood stages. Watch out for any of these symptoms in infancy: floppy baby syndrome or poor muscle tone, rapid movements...