ASPIRE Blog

In-Person – Lincoln, NE – Saturday, May 17 – 10:00am-12:00pm Central

Meeting has been cancelled due to personal reasons. We will notify when it has been rescheduled. Thank you.

PANS or PANDAS refers to what some doctors call Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It’s an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease that can cause erratic and sometimes dangerous behavior that often mimics symptoms of schizophrenia.

Imagine a child suffering from seizures, only to discover years later that the cause might be tied to a cat scratch and an insect bite. A groundbreaking case study from North Carolina State University (NCSU) has revealed a connection between Bartonella and Babesia infections and complex neurological disorders, challenging how we approach diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.

Students with PANS/PANDAS have complex cognitive, behavioral, physical & neurological symptoms that affect their school performance. The school’s multidisciplinary team benefits from an awareness of PANS PANDAS, the resulting impact on school performance, and the recommended support.

Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG, Robveille C, Kingston E. Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 infection in the brain of a child with seizures, mycotoxin exposure and suspected Rasmussen’s […]

  Living with a sibling affected by PANS profoundly impacts well-being—fear of outbursts, limited social opportunities, and the isolation of not having the words or knowledge to explain the condition. […]

Frankovich J, Calaprice D, Ma M, Knight O, Miles K, Manko C, Hernandez JD, Sandberg J, Farhadian B, Xie Y, Silverman M, Madan J, Strand V, Chang K, Thienemann M. […]

Supporting Students with PANS, PANDAS, and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis: Children with PANS, PANDAS, and basal ganglia encephalitis often require specific school accommodations to support their success. These conditions can cause abrupt changes in cognitive, sensory, and motor function, making it essential to provide flexible and individualized support.

Needle fear is real, and you’re not alone. Whether it’s a quick blood draw or a longer infusion, anxiety can make the experience stressful. For those with PANS/PANDAS, it may […]

Zoom – Georgia – Tuesday, March 18 – 7:00 PM Eastern

Swallowing pills can be intimidating for many, especially for those with PANS PANDAS due to OCD, sensory issues, anxiety, or difficulty swallowing. The good news is that with some practice […]