Understanding PANS/PANDAS
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions that can cause sudden (but sometimes gradual) and severe changes in a child’s behaviour, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Symptoms may include OCD-like behaviors, tics, extreme anxiety, emotional outbursts, irritability, aggression, and/or severely oppositional behaviours, regression, and sensory sensitivities. These conditions can be overwhelming for families, as they often emerge rapidly and come with significant challenges in getting a diagnosis and appropriate care.
For more detailed information, please visit PANS/PANDAS UK, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for families.
The Impact on Families: My Personal Experience
As a parent of a child with PANS, I understand firsthand how exhausting, isolating, and heartbreaking it can be. The unpredictable nature of symptoms, the emotional toll on the whole family, and the frustration of navigating medical and educational systems can feel overwhelming. There were moments when I felt powerless, unsure of how to help my child and manage my own emotions at the same time.
Through my personal journey, I discovered the power of holistic approaches like EFT (tapping) and SleepTalk. These techniques not only helped my child but, also gave me the tools to stay emotionally regulated, reducing the stress that can ripple through the entire family. This experience has fuelled my passion for supporting other families facing similar challenges.
How I Can Support You
At Bridgewood Wellness, I provide gentle, supportive approaches to help families cope with the challenges of PANS/PANDAS. My goal is to help both children and parents feel more in control, reduce the stress and anxiety of experiencing and managing this condition, and help to alleviate some of the symptoms your child is experiencing.
SleepTalk
SleepTalk is a gentle, non-invasive technique that can help children feel safer, more secure, and emotionally balanced. This method works by delivering positive suggestions while the child is in a relaxed sleep state, reinforcing self-worth and reducing anxiety. It’s an empowering tool for parents to help their child feel calmer and more confident.
EFT Tapping for Children and Parents
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, is a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
- For children, tapping can help with emotional regulation, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, fears, and sensory sensitivities.
- For parents, EFT provides a way to manage the emotional toll of caring for a child with PANS/PANDAS, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
EFT is more than just an emotional support tool—it has been shown to create measurable physiological changes in the body. Research has demonstrated that EFT can:
- Regulate genes associated with inflammation and immunity – A study on veterans with PTSD and nonclinical participants found that EFT influences gene expression, reducing inflammation and enhancing immune function.
- Reduce perceived pain and physical symptoms – Tapping can help address both emotional distress and the physical pain that can be intensified by stress and negative emotions.
- Support brain function and neural plasticity – Research suggests EFT helps with synaptic connectivity, strengthens cell membranes, and reinforces neural pathways, all of which are crucial for emotional and cognitive resilience.
For families navigating PANS/PANDAS, where inflammation and immune dysfunction play a key role, EFT can be a valuable complementary approach to reducing stress, alleviating symptoms and supporting overall health.
Get in Touch
I offer a range of supportive approaches tailored to the needs of your family. Whether you are looking for one-to-one support, tools to use at home, or strategies to help your child feel calmer and more secure, I have different options available so please get in touch and we can have a chat about the best fit for your family.
Coming Soon...
Calm in the Storm: A Holistic Support Program for Families Living with PANS/PANDAS, an online course designed specifically for families navigating this journey. This course will provide practical tools and emotional support for parents, siblings, and your PANS/PANDAS child. If you’d like to be the first to know when it’s available, sign up for the waitlist below.