In short, I wrote The Flare because I wanted to offer some support to families facing the immense challenges that can come when a child changes dramatically and unexpectedly; particularly something child-facing, friendly and accessible.

I wanted it to help children, parents and those around them make a little more sense of what might be happening, give them a way to talk about it and offer some small, practical ways of coping and, importantly, some hope.

Making sense of what is happening

As a clinical psychologist, I have always been passionate about understanding why something is happening, because understanding can change how we respond. When we understand more about what might be driving a child’s thoughts, feelings or behaviour, it can help us respond with greater compassion and find support that better fits what they need, rather than simply focusing on what we can see on the surface.

From both personal and professional experience, I know how confusing and overwhelming PANS/PANDAS can be for the whole family, and especially for the child living through it. PANS/PANDAS is still not widely understood, and families can often feel they aren’t being heard or believed. When everything already feels uncertain, being listened to, believed and taken seriously can make an enormous difference.

“More than anything, I hope The Flare helps children and families feel a little less alone, a little more understood and better able to hold on to hope.”

Although receiving a diagnosis of PANS or PANDAS can be hugely validating, it can also be overwhelming. When something frightening is happening in a child’s brain and body, even with a diagnosis it can still be difficult to understand what is happening or know how to explain it to the child. 

This is where the idea of writing a book began to develop.

I wanted children living with PANS/PANDAS to have something that felt as though it had been written for them; something that wasn’t scary, overly complicated or filled with medical terminology. Something that could help them understand why thoughts might suddenly feel frightening, why ordinary activities might feel impossible, or why emotions and reactions could feel so much bigger than they used to.

I also wanted them to know they are not alone. That none of this is their fault. That other children have experienced something similar. That recovery is possible. And that there are people who understand what they are going through.  

“I wanted children to have something that felt as though it had been written for them.”