Heading home from Perspectives on PANS with plenty to reflect on.
By Dyslexia Test Centre and ND Pathways ·
On 9 October, we attended the Clinical Professionals Conference, day two of PANS PANDAS UK’s three-day Perspectives on PANS event.
The room was full of doctors, and the excellent speakers made it a really interesting and thought-provoking day for Dyslexia Test Centre and ND Pathways.
Why this matters for learning
PANS and PANDAS are medical conditions that can involve sudden changes in mental health and everyday functioning. Children may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, handwriting and sensory sensitivities, affecting their participation in school.
Diagnosis requires medical assessment and careful consideration of other explanations. A learning assessment alone cannot diagnose PANS or PANDAS.
Understanding the connections
We recognise how closely health, emotional wellbeing and learning can be connected. We are constantly exploring these links to understand each individual’s needs more fully.
Today reinforced the importance of asking what has changed, when it began and what the child could do previously. Without awareness, we are concerned that children’s difficulties could be misunderstood or attributed too quickly to another explanation.
Turning learning into support
We are looking forward to creating practical teacher resources to help school staff recognise concerning changes, record observations and support families in seeking appropriate medical assessment. The resources will also offer ideas for responding to children’s learning needs.
Thank you to PANS PANDAS UK and all the speakers for an informative day.
Learn more through PANS PANDAS UK’s resources for educational professionals.
If a child develops sudden or significant changes in behaviour, eating or everyday functioning, seek medical advice.
A conversation is a good place to start
Tell us what’s on your mind. We’ll help you explore the options.