Ask the Educational Psychologist
PANS and PANDAS are complex conditions. In some cases, children and young people can develop special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) following the onset of the conditions. Educational and allied professionals often have not received training in PANS or PANDAS, and needs can be misinterpreted and misunderstood.
To help bridge this gap, we spoke with experienced independent educational psychologist Dr. Joanne Riordan, asking key questions on how to effectively support children and young people with PANS or PANDAS in education. This series of videos will be invaluable for young people, their families, and professionals working in education and allied fields. Thank you to Dr. Jo for generously sharing her time and expertise.
Scroll down for individual videos, or watch the entire playlist on YouTube.
Hi Joanne, tell us a little bit about yourself
What are the most common challenges you have encountered for students with PANS or PANDAS in educational settings?
Do you think it is difficult to have these symptoms recognised by professionals?
How would you collaborate with families and other professionals to support students?
What are the common misconceptions about PANS and PANDAS by health professionals?
How would you manage the fluctuating nature of symptoms, in an educational context?
How would you handle situations where there may be disagreement between medical professionals and families?
What resources or training do you think are most needed for educators working with students with PANS or PANDAS?
What changes would you like to see in educational policies or practices, to better support these students?
Could you describe successful strategies or accommodations that you have implemented in educational settings?
How do you balance academic expectations with the health needs of your students?
A final word from Joanne:
“We have to collaborate really effectively to support a young person with PANS or PANDAS. The most effective way to do that is through consultation, thinking about what our unique roles will bring to the team.”
Supporting children and young people with PANS or PANDAS in education requires strong collaboration and clear communication among professionals. Teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists, and healthcare providers each play a vital role in meeting their needs. Close partnerships between schools, families, and health services ensure consistent support and effective interventions. By working together transparently and tailoring individual support, we can ensure timely and nurturing support.
We would love to do more projects like these, and your feedback will help to make that happen. Please let us know if you found these videos useful or if you would like to contribute to future projects.
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