Infantile spasms (IS) is a rare epileptic disorder occurring in children under the age of one that can often lead to severe developmental delays throughout life. Though over 200 etiologies have been associated with this disorder, many cases remain unexplained. Research into the etiology of IS has implicated causes such as exposure to prenatal stress or changes in GABAergic signaling. Here, we describe recent findings that draw a direct connection between prenatal stress, altered GABA signaling, and the development of IS. We also discuss how these findings can be used in the classroom to enrich discussions of nervous system physiology, development, and disease.