PANS and PANDAS: A Summary for Teachers
What are PANS and PANDAS?
- PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
- PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections)
- PANS and PANDAS are medical conditions that impact both physical and mental health.
How do children and young people present with the conditions in education?
Children and young people with PANS or PANDAS may experience sudden and unexpected difficulties, including obsessive compulsive behaviours, tics, anxiety, writing deterioration, eating issues, and sleep problems. Symptoms can vary and may include behavioural regression, sensory issues and urinary frequency. Symptoms can change over time and may co-occur with other conditions or neurodivergences. Some children and young people develop SEND without having any prior evidence of needs.
This straightforward guide for teachers briefly summarises the conditions, highlights the early signs to look out for in schools and outlines practical next steps.
PANS PANDAS UK is the only UK charity supporting children and families living with these conditions. We provide information, and community support to patients and carers. We also contribute to health service development and influence policy. This includes raising awareness of the symptoms, and supporting the development of treatment options for healthcare professionals. We provide training in educational settings so that families and children living with these conditions receive the support they so desperately need.
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