PANS Research & Advocacy Initiative Makes a Difference for Kids & Families by Ann Marie Patitucci

Diseases/Disorders
6 years ago

PANS Research & Advocacy Initiative Makes a Difference for Kids & Families

Never underestimate what a group of passionate moms can do in order to help their kids! Pans Research and Advocacy Initiative (PRAI) is a non-profit organization making a difference by “advocating on behalf of Virginia families [whose children] suffer from pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndromes by providing emotional and social support, investing in data-driven research and education, and raising awareness in the community.” PRAI aims to “connect doctors with PANS/PANDAS medical experts ... [and] network and engage people throughout the mid-Atlantic to raise money for PANS/PANDAS research projects ... [Its founding members] have come together in a grass-roots effort to advocate for [their] children who cannot advocate for themselves.” (PansAdvocacy.org)

PANS, or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, is a clinical disorder characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms or eating restrictions. It is accompanied by acute behavioral deterioration. While there is no known trigger for PANS, it is believed to be triggered by one or more pathogens. PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, is a subset of PANS. PANDAS has five distinguishing criteria for diagnosis, including:

  • pediatric onset (average 6-7 years)
  • sudden (“overnight”) OCD symptoms or dramatic tics
  • episodic course of symptoms
  • presence of neurologic abnormalities
  • association between symptom onset and Group A Strep (GAS) infection (Pandasppn.org)

Children with PANS/PANDAS are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. If your child has any of the aforementioned symptoms, educate yourself on PANS/PANDAS. Make an appointment with your pediatrician and advocate for a detailed PANS workup.

For more information visit PansAdvocacy.org and learn more about the PRAI 5K & Fun Run. (This is Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead's 100th tip!)

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Tiffany Zook
Thank you AM for sharing this info, awareness of this will help many families who may be looking for answers.
Elisa Schmitz
Wow, what a wonderful organization! Thank you for sharing this great work with us, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead , so we can spread the word and raise awareness. What a wonderful 100th tip! Congratulations!! Can't wait for your next 100!!! ❤️
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds ! I was thrilled to write about PRAI and help them to get the word out about the great work that they're doing!
Gina Pomering
Thank you Ann Marie for writing such a wonderful article! We are so thrilled to have been chosen for your 100th tip! What an amazing way to recognize such a fabulous milestone with 30Seconds!
Pans/Pandas is a scary world but the love and generosity we have found from everyone is beautiful and inspiring! Thank you again for shining a light on such a dark world and letting people know they are not alone!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Of course, Gina! We are so happy to do it!
Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP
This is so interesting. I had never heard of PANS. Great organization.
Traciandrews
Thank you! We also have a chapter of this in NC and SC.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Wonderful! Thanks for all that you do for children and families with PANS/PANDAS.

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