13. PANDAS, PANS and Related Disorders: What It Is and How It Impacts Children and Families

Speaker: Patricia Rice Doran, Ed.D.

Session Description:
In this session, participants will review definitions, diagnostic criteria, and recent scientific discoveries related to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Participants will explore the ways in which PANDAS, PANS, and related disorders such as autoimmune encephalitis impact functioning for both children and families. Throughout the session, participants will apply knowledge gained in completing case-based problem-solving activities to identify and discuss strategies for supporting both students and families.

Credits: Act 48, Psych
Audience: Special Education Teachers, Teachers/other professionals who work with students who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, Speech therapists, General Education Teachers, Supervisors/Administrators, Assistive Technology Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists

Speaker Bio:
Patricia Rice Doran is a Professor of Special Education at Towson University, where she focuses her research on language diversity and neurodiversity as well as supports for students with neurological disorders. She has written and presented widely on PANDAS and PANS; is the editor of PANDAS and PANS in the School Setting and coauthor of A Parent's Guide to PANDAS, PANS and Related Neuroimmune Disorders.