ASPIRE Blog

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 […]

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.

WV needs your help asking legislators to support HB 2252: Requiring insurance coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Trigger Warning: Self-Harm & Suicide The following story discusses experiences with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and psychiatric hospitalization. If you are sensitive to these topics, please proceed with care. If you […]

Wu, X., Hao, J., Jiang, K. et al. Neuroinflammation and pathways that contribute to tourette syndrome. Ital J Pediatr 51, 63 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-025-01874-3 Tourette Syndrome (TS): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized […]

Zoom – Restricted Eating ChitChat – Tuesday, April 1 – 6:30 PM CT

  Homeschooling and PANS/PANDAS: Resources for Families   Traditional school environments can be challenging for many families navigating PANS/PANDAS. Symptoms such as anxiety, OCD, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue may make […]

Gallant RM, Sanchez KK, Joulia E, Snyder JM, Metallo CM, Ayres JS. Fluoxetine promotes IL-10-dependent metabolic defenses to protect from sepsis-induced lethality. Sci Adv. 2025 Feb 14;11(7):eadu4034. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adu4034. Epub […]

Restricted eating, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), is a common yet complex challenge for individuals with PANS/PANDAS. Families and patients often struggle to find appropriate support and treatment tailored […]

The Becks paid $20,000 out-of-pocket in 2023 for Emily’s medical care, including occupational therapy, psychiatric appointments, tests, supplements and medications that insurance wouldn’t pay for after meeting a large deductible. They accumulated $6,000 in medical debt. They started a GoFundMe campaign in 2024 to pay for the infusions.

Zoom – Thursday, February 13 – 10:00 AM Mountain