Advocating for Californians Impacted by PANS/PANDAS
School Accommodations for PANDAS and PANS
Individualized Educational Plans:
Most students will need some form of individualized school accommodation, which may include an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan, an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP), or a combination of these supports.
PANS/PANDAS symptoms can make school life incredibly challenging for students. Debilitating anxiety, OCD, motor and vocal tics, cognitive decline, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation often interfere with a child’s ability to:
-
Focus in the classroom
-
Complete assignments and homework
-
Participate in social or group activities
-
Maintain consistent attendance
-
Follow routines and transitions
-
Feel safe and supported in the school environment
These are not behavioral issues, they are medical symptoms. Schools must be informed, prepared, and equipped to support students facing these invisible yet life-altering challenges.
School Accommodations for Students with PANS/PANDAS
PANS/PANDAS can cause sudden and severe neuropsychiatric and physical symptoms, making it extremely difficult for students to function in a typical classroom setting. These are not behavioral issues—they are medical symptoms that require compassionate, flexible support. Here are some recommended accommodations to help students with PANS/PANDAS succeed in school:
Academic Supports
-
Modified homework and reduced workloads during flare-ups
-
Extra time for tests and assignments, with flexible deadlines
-
Exemption from timed reading or writing activities
-
Alternative formats for assignments (oral, typed, project-based)
-
Cognitive & Emotional Supports
-
Access to a quiet space or calming area for breaks
-
Counselor or nurse check-ins throughout the day
-
Visual schedules or daily previews to reduce anxiety
-
Clear, simple instructions and step-by-step guidance
Physical & Sensory Supports
-
Permission to leave the classroom as needed (e.g., for tics, emotional regulation, or frequent urination)
-
Preferential seating to minimize distractions or manage tics
-
Use of assistive technology (speech-to-text, keyboard, etc.) for students with handwriting or motor difficulties
Attendance & Flexibility
-
Reduced school day or flexible scheduling during flare-ups
-
Flexibility with attendance requirements and make-up work
-
Homebound instruction or virtual learning options when necessary
Collaboration
-
Regular communication between school, family, and medical providers
-
Ability to update accommodations as the student’s symptoms change
PANS/PANDAS symptoms can vary daily. Schools that provide understanding, flexibility, and proactive support can make an extraordinary difference in a student’s ability to heal, learn, and thrive.
