Hi, I'm Tina, a former experienced teacher, and I have been working with PANS PANDAS UK, a charity focused on these post infectious neuro-inflammatory conditions for around three years. These conditions can cause children to quickly deteriorate from doing well in school to having complex needs. Awareness about these conditions is currently low, but it is improving thanks to recent advances in the medical field, a Parliamentary debate and media coverage. PANS/ PANDAS can present with some unusual characteristics, and this combined with a lack of awareness and training for schools has made things more difficult. The recent recognition of both PANS/PANDAS as distinct diseases by the NHS, now presents a great opportunity to raise further awareness across education.
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.