PANS PANDAS is a medical condition in which symptoms affect a student’s ability to attend school and learn.
Symptomology and symptom severity vary from student to student and even from flare to flare in the same student. The goal of treatment is to achieve full recovery in order to prevent the student’s condition from becoming a chronic, debilitating illness. Treatment includes medical protocols as well as therapeutic practices. School accommodations are an essential component of a thorough and appropriate treatment protocol. Please read the overview of PANS in the school setting below and then follow up with ASPIRE’s Resources for Schools & Educators. Please register for a virtual in-services on PANS PANDAS.
The accommodations vary depending on the student’s symptoms and severity as well as from flare to flare. Each symptom can cause its own set of difficulties at school and when combined with several symptoms, even more significant challenges must be addressed. There is neither a one size fits all presentation of symptoms nor a one size fits all set of accommodations.
Due to the changing nature of symptoms and the relapsing and remitting course of PANS, ensure plans are flexible. Plans should be written with the student’s worst days in mind while hoping for the best days. A student may initially present with one or more primary symptoms, which may resolve with treatment only to be replaced with a new set of symptoms or different manifestations of the initial symptoms. Academic performance and attendance can vary widely during exacerbations.
One month, a student may be in a debilitating flare requiring several supports but later in the school year require significantly less only to relapse again. Not all PANS students return to baseline between flares, requiring year-round accommodations even while not in an active flare. Student performance and needs can vary day-to-day and week-to-week.
Other Health Impairment (OHI) is the condition that most PANS students qualify for an IEP. Students may be eligible for an IEP under different categories as well depending on that student’s symptoms such as specific learning disability (SLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or emotional and behavioral disorder (EBD). However, caution must be taken to not mislabel a student; SLD or EBD may not encompass all of the student’s issues by focusing too much on a small portion of symptoms.
“Writing the plans with the most difficult days in mind will assure that the child can receive adequate accommodations without revisiting the 504 or IEP process often.”
Clinical Management of Pediatric Acute-Onset-Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Part I–Psychiatric and Behavioral Interventions, Margo Thienemann, MD et al
PANS & Eating Restrictions This section on Restrictive Eatings at School is part of a larger section on Restrictive Eating seen in PANS PANDAS. Make sure to read the entire...
You are your child’s best advocate, and we are here to help! The 504 and IEP planning process may seem overwhelming, but these educational sections will help you navigate the...
Read Getting Started with 504 & IEP Plans first. Many PANS PANDAS kids will qualify for a 504 plan. A 504 plan will provide accommodations for the educational program within...
Read Getting Started with 504 & IEP Plans first. Special Education is provided through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with a qualifying disability. The primary purpose...
How to Ask for an Evaluation Written Request – Put all requests and correspondence in writing. Ask for an evaluation and explain why Provide medical documentation of diagnosis and supporting...
Prepare for an IEP or 504 Planning Meeting Create a list of your child’s areas of need. Before the meeting, list your child’s struggles and deficits. Know that it is...
Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a written explanation of why the district proposes or rejects a change to a student’s IEP. This includes if you want to challenge the district’s...
Keep a copy for yourself. Hand deliver and ask for a date stamp or send with Return Receipt to establish timeline or email as an attachment. (Parent/Guardian Name) (Home Address)...
Keep a copy for yourself. Hand deliver and ask for a date stamp or send with Return Receipt to establish timeline or email as an attachment. (Parent/Guardian Name) (Home Address)...
Keep a copy for yourself. Hand deliver and ask for a date stamp or send with Return Receipt to establish timeline or email as an attachment. (Parent/Guardian Name) (Home Address)...
Students with PANDAS/ PANS may experience symptoms simply from being exposed to an infection. It is vital for the School Nurse to foster communication between the entire school population about...
At first glance, someone PANS and someone with OCD may appear pretty similar. They both have obsessions, compulsions, anxiety, and these symptoms cause significant distress, interfere with daily...