Provided are non-human mammals treated with doxorubicin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), where the mammal exhibits a symptom characteristic of infantile spasms. Also provided are methods of making a non-human mammal exhibit a symptom of infantile spasms. Additionally, methods are provided for screening a compound for the potential to attenuate a symptom of infantile spasms.