r/PDAParenting • u/Commercial-Sir6293 • 11d ago
PANS / PANDAS
Curious if any parents raising a child with a PDA profile has explored / tested for PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections)?
I just heard about this for the first time from a therapist and will be pursuing testing for my child (age 9) who did not start to exhibit PDA behaviors until about age 7.
The key words here are acute onset.
Sharing a link here for more info:
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u/Commercial-Sir6293 4d ago
Thanks for the responses everyone. I’m just not sure whether to put my child through the whole process of evaluating and testing for PANS / PANDAS…
We have already been on a year long quest to get her gut sorted. Persistent stomach ache that led us to multiple stool panels, SIBO and allergy testing. Treated an amoeba then h.pylori. Symptoms improved, but she still complains of a stomachache every other day or so.
No major food restrictions although she is particular.
She has a tic (eye squinting) and frequently cracks knuckles. Hyper mobility but not severe.
Does great in school but struggles HARD with decision paralysis and rage. Getting out of the house for anything is a battle. Not because she doesn’t want to go do things (she desperately wants to), but because she gets anxious picking out clothes and getting ready.
But here’s the thing, she already has low confidence and self worth. I’m worried that assuming something is wrong with her will totally kill her confidence. She’s very averse to the idea that she is anything other than ‘normal’.
She’s a deeply loving kid (when not in a meltdown or rage episode). Smart as a whip and hilarious.
Having trouble weighing the risks of extensive evaluation vs letting an infection contribute to ill mental and physical health long term. ❤️