My son kept getting ear infections — it turned out to be a telltale sign of an absolutely devastating disease
Cody Carroll, a toddler, faced recurring ear infections and hearing loss, leading to a diagnosis of Sanfilippo syndrome, also known as childhood dementia. This condition causes severe intellectual disability and typically results in death during the teenage years. His mother, Georgia Nonas, described the emotional toll of the diagnosis and the progressive decline in Cody's health.
- ▪Cody was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome after experiencing developmental regression and hearing issues.
- ▪Sanfilippo syndrome is characterized by severe intellectual disability and a life expectancy that typically ends in the teenage years.
- ▪Cody's condition has led to a decline in mobility and the need for a wheelchair, as well as difficulties with swallowing and communication.
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Health My son kept getting ear infections — it turned out to be a telltale sign of an absolutely devastating disease By Jam Press Published May 22, 2026, 6:58 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Cody Carroll was a healthy toddler when he started struggling with recurring ear infections and hearing loss at the age of two. He was given hearing aids. But his mother, Georgia Nonas, was concerned when she noticed other issues. Cody had started to speak, but then became mute. While Cody was diagnosed with autism, his parents and doctors believed something more could be at play — and it turned out to be devastating. 5 Cody Carroll was a healthy toddler when he started struggling with recurring ear infections and hearing loss at the age of two.
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