In the last episode of the year, we talked to Lucy from Parenting_PANDAS on Instagram. Lucy shares her story with her 10,000-strong community, charting the hope and despair of life as a PANDAS parent. Originally posting about Pathological Demand Avoidance, she did not consider the diagnosis until one of her followers suggested PANDAS. Sadly, this is not an uncommon route to diagnosis! Since then, her daughter has had antibiotic treatment and is bumpily recovering.

It is a testament to her passion for raising awareness that Lucy manages to post about her family's journey, offering support, parenting hacks (dopamine bag, anyone?!), and hope for PANS/PANDAS parents worldwide.

Her insights and commitment are a wonder, and we are thrilled she is on this week’s PANS/PANDAS Stories.

As always, please like and share the podcast to raise awareness.

Happy Christmas and 2025, everyone!

Dr Denis Bouboulis, an allergist and immunologist from the US, has been diagnosing and treating PANS PANDAS for nearly 20 years. He talks about the "wild card" of Covid and how Long Covid could be linked to underlying vector-borne infections, such as Lyme disease.

In the States, there is more awareness and testing around Lyme and co than in the UK, and it certainly made me think about what could be missing from our children's treatment - especially those who do not seem to get significantly better or frequently relapse.

He also discusses how short-term antibiotics to treat PANS/PANDAS is a "false narrative" and how long-term treatment is key for recovery.

Although based in the States, he works via telemedicine across the world.

Here he is on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-denis-bouboulis/recent-activity/all/

Jo Joyner speaks to Education Expert Tina Coope from the UK charity about helping children at school. She has good tips about how to speak to schools and help teachers understand how to help these children.

If you have any ideas about other educational aspects you would like covered please let us know in the comments. Also please review if you can - it helps others find our podcasts more easily.

For more info PANS PANDAS UK also have a range of educational resources available, including free online CPD-accredited teacher training (donations are optional but appreciated). Check them out here: https://panspandasuk.org/support-resources/for-educational-professionals/ A wealth of information for allied professionals, families, adults, young people and children is also available here- https://panspandasuk.org

A PANS, PANDAS Education, Social Care and Health Group (ESCHG) is also working on putting together a position statement and some helpful guidance for Local Authorities. You can find more information here: https://panspandasuk.org/post/efforts-underway-to-support-families-and-professionals-across-education-social-care-and-health-to-develop-a-position-statement-on-pans-and-pandas/