Understanding the Impact of PANS and PANDAS in Occupational Therapy

Course overview

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a syndrome characterized by obsessions, compulsions, and/or food restrictions. Although often comorbid with eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PANS is distinguished by the sudden or dramatic onset of symptoms. Other common co-occurring symptoms can include anxiety, depression, irritability, and issues in school. Although the etiological underpinnings of PANS remain unclear, some researchers hypothesize links to infections, inflammatory issues, and metabolic disturbances. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is characterized by tics and other obsessive-compulsive movements or tendencies. The onset of PANDAS is acute and associated with recent bouts with streptococcal infection or scarlet fever. Considered a subtype of PANS, common symptoms of PANDAS include emotion dysregulation, anxiousness, and issues with school-related abilities (e.g., handwriting difficulties). This training provides occupational therapists and other pediatric professionals with a comprehensive overview of PANS and PANDAS. In this 2-hour, live, interactive webinar hosted by Zoom, participants learn about the causes, clinical features, diagnosis, and prognosis of PANS and PANDAS. In addition, prevention, management, and intervention approaches are discussed. Empirically based research findings are highlighted throughout this training. At the end of this course, you will be able to (1) state the definition of PANS and PANDAS, (2) identify common signs of symptoms of PANS and PANDAS, (3) list consequences associated with PANS and PANDAS in functional settings, and (4) identify intervention strategies professionals can implement with families and children impacted by PANS and PANDAS. This distance-learning, interactive format is offered at 0.2 CEUs, Introductory Level, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, and targeted to introductory- to advanced-level OTs, parents, and other pediatric professionals. The course instructor, Jerrod Brown, PhD, is a professor, trainer, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod has also been employed with Pathways Counseling Center, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 2003. For more information on our live courses, visit our website: https://www.sensationalbrain.com/ceu/live-webinars. To stay abreast of our latest live and view-on-demand course offerings, sales, and FREEBIES, consider subscribing to our newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page. Send questions to celeste@sensationalbrain.com.