AN ESTIMATED 1 IN 200 CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE SUFFERING FROM PANS/PANDAS
The Look. Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that no child with PANS/PANDAS is missed.
What are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections)
are immune-related disorders that may follow infections or immune system triggers.
Infections/triggers include:
• Upper respiratory infections
• Influenza
• Sinus infections
• Mono
• Lyme disease
• COVID
Basal ganglia responsibilities:
• Motor abilities
• Decision-making
• Emotional processing
Inflammation may lead to:
• OCD
• Aggression, and/or severe oppositional behaviors
• Sudden deterioration in school performance
• Sleep disturbances
Support Students with PANS/PANDAS
This resource guide provides actionable tools and frameworks for supporting students with PANS/PANDAS.
Support can begin before a formal diagnosis is made. The goal is to ensure the child receives consistent, supportive care across school environments, while staying within the school's scope of practice. This guide emphasizes equity-informed practices, acknowledging that access to diagnosis and support can vary by race, culture, and socioeconomic status.
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Important Notice
The tools and resources provided in this section of the Look. Foundation website are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They are designed to support teachers, school nurses, school counselors, and other school-based professionals in understanding PANS and PANDAS.
These materials do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and are not a substitute for evaluation or care by a qualified healthcare provider. The Look. Foundation does not offer medical, legal, or educational policy guidance.
School personnel should not use these resources to diagnose students or determine medical treatment. Health-related concerns should be referred to appropriate medical professionals. Decisions regarding educational support, accommodations, or services should be made in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and in collaboration with families and relevant professionals.
The Look. Foundation provides these materials as a general educational resource and is not responsible for individual decisions or actions taken by schools or professionals based on their use.
Acknowledgements
The Look. Foundation School PANS/PANDAS School Resource Guide is the result of the lived experiences, domain expertise, and research of many dedicated professionals. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, insight, and resources to the successful completion of this project. The following individuals and organizations provided invaluable guidance and support:
Look. Foundation Team
Jennifer Vitelli, MBA — Executive Director
Cathy Witkos — President
Michelle Pinto, Ph.D, MSN, RN, CNE — Board of Directors
Melissa Glynn-Hyman, LICSW — Board of Directors
Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, MEd — Board of Directors
Special Thanks
Bill Campia
Margaret S. Chapman, MSN, PMHCS-BC
Katie Grigely
Nora Cleary