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. 

www.lewis-support.co.uk  louise@lewis-support.co.uk I've been working in education for over 20 years, and now specialise in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral palsy (CP). I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Language, Literacies and Dyslexia, Approved Teacher Status (ATS) from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), and a PGCE from Exeter University. Over the years, I've taught everything from Pre-Key Stage right through to A-level, working with learners across a wide range of abilities. I genuinely love teaching and supporting young people, and I'm committed to making sure that all students, regardless of their abilities, can access meaningful learning opportunities. I'm particularly interested in complex communication needs/MSI and have experience working with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users. I'm currently learning British Sign Language, working towards my BSL Level 1. For me, it's all about ensuring every young person gets the support they need to reach their potential.