Best Practice

PANS and PANDAS: Supporting affected pupils

Pupil wellbeing Attendance Pastoral issues SEND SENCOs
Infections can cause the development of psychiatric and physical symptoms in children and young people. Tina Coope discusses PANS and PANDAS and the implications for teaching and learning
Growing understanding: Young people with PANS and PANDAS often develop SEND without any prior evidence of need, significantly struggle to attend school, and the conditions can frequently be misdiagnosed - Adobe Stock

Awareness of the post-infectious conditions of PANS and PANDAS is growing. This medical condition is affecting thousands of children and young people, often puzzling and dividing both families and professionals alike.

Children and young people with PANS and PANDAS often develop SEND without any prior evidence of need, significantly struggle to attend school, and the conditions can frequently be misdiagnosed as a purely mental health condition.

 

What are PANS or PANDAS?

PANS stands for paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, while PANDAS stands for paediatric auto-immune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections.

PANS and PANDAS are post-infectious autoimmune and neuro-inflammatory conditions that impact both physical and mental health.

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