ASPIRE Blog

Nutrition is vital for kids with PANS/PANDAS, conditions tied to OCD and infections like strep that disrupt eating habits, causing nutrient deficiencies and gut issues. Registered Dietitians (RDs) can help by:

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 […]

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 […]

Call To Action for 2025 Legislation Urgent Action Needed! Families battling #PANS/#PANDAS deserve insurance coverage for life-changing treatments. #SB205, the companion bill to #HB124, is in the hands of the […]

The bill is going to be a huge step forward, but Emily‘s mom April says it’s not a cure the bill does not mandate insurance coverage for the most common and effective treatment.