Developmental Impacts of PANS/PANDAS and Inadequate Support for Children and Families
RESEARCH IMPACT:
“Developmental Impacts of PANS/PANDAS and Inadequate Support for Children and Families” provides insight into the negative developmental impacts children with PANS and PANDAS are likely to have due to treatment barriers and inadequate support. The results of the survey show the need for physician knowledge on the conditions which will lead to timely medical intervention, and structured support systems in schools and communities are crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of these conditions.
SUMMARY
“Developmental Impacts of PANS/PANDAS and Inadequate Support for Children and Families” explores the developmental impacts of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), on children and the challenges families face due to treatment barriers and problems accessing support.
The survey that focused on responses by parents with PANS/PANDAS children found that despite the known severity of PANS/PANDAS symptoms, many children experience delayed diagnoses and treatment which hindered their progress. Additionally, inadequate support—whether at home, school, or in crisis situations—was strongly linked to more severe developmental difficulties. Parents reported PANS/PANDAS negatively impacted their children’s development across all domains, including significantly affecting emotional (92%), social (90%), cognitive (86%), academic (86%), identity (83%), talent (73%), and language development (50%). The most severe developmental impacts were social and emotional development.
The study highlights the urgent need for better medical, educational, and community-based support systems to help affected children manage symptoms and continue their development. It also emphasizes the role of timely diagnosis and intervention in mitigating long-term negative effects on children’s growth and family well-being.
LINK TO PAPER: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10578-024-01723-0
CITATION
LaRusso, M.D., Abadía-Barrero, C. Developmental Impacts of PANS/PANDAS and Inadequate Support for Children and Families. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-024-01723-0