The Hidden Signs of Pans and Pandas – And Why It Looks Like ADHD and Anxiety or Even Autism

Signs of PANS and PANDAS can show up as sudden anxiety, OCD, meltdowns, regression, sleep issues, or behaviors that look like ADHD or autism. If your child changed almost overnight and you keep thinking, “Something is off, but no one sees it,” this video will help you understand what may really be happening through a nervous system lens.

Dr. Roseann also shares insights from leading PANS and PANDAS expert Nancy O’Hara and discusses the growing awareness around neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation in children.

Learn about:
– Why PANS/PANDAS can look like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or autism
– Hidden physical signs parents and providers often miss
– Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean everything is fine
– How to calm a dysregulated child during a flare
– What steps to take when you suspect PANS/PANDAS

If your child’s symptoms appeared suddenly after illness or infection, Dr. Nancy O’Hara’s new book offers powerful guidance and hope for families searching for answers. Learn more https://www.drohara.com/demystifying-pans-pandas-book

00:11 — Introduction: Dr. O’Hara — pioneer & educator in PANS/PANDAS
01:06 — What makes PANS and PANDAS different: the abrupt onset rule explained
04:20 — PANDAS defined: how strep antibodies attack the brain’s basal ganglia
06:04 — The controversy: medical skepticism & the history of PANDAS dismissal
08:00 — Why PANS was created in 2012: expanding beyond strep to Lyme, mold, viruses & more
11:15 — Hidden & often missed signs: sleep issues, urinary problems, handwriting changes & intrusive thoughts
13:50 — Dr. O’Hara’s mission: training a global army of PANS and PANDAS practitioners
15:18 — Slow-roll symptoms: how mold, Bartonella, Borrelia & COVID reactivate dormant infections
17:23 — The hidden face of OCD: intrusive & dark thoughts children are too ashamed to share
19:06 — How to find the right practitioner + resources: Aspire.care & PANS and PANDAS Network
22:01 — Why nutraceuticals & botanicals often outperform prescription meds in chronic cases
23:10 — Parent self-care: put your oxygen mask on first + teaching kids anxiety tools
27:30 — Powerful technique: naming the flare (separating the disease from your child’s identity)
29:22 — The autism + PANS and PANDAS overlap: brain inflammation & reaching full potential
32:14 — Genetics vs. environment: why triggers can be treated even if genes can’t be changed
37:07 — Be a detective: how to build a detailed timeline to share with your provider
38:12 — Take it one step at a time: patience & pacing your healing journey
40:57 — 3 common mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them)
44:13 — Recommended books: “Demystifying PANS and PANDAS” & Dr. Roseann’s book
45:11 — Closing message: compassion for yourself, your child & your practitioners

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Emotional Dysregulation in Children & Nervous System Expert
Regulation First Parenting™ | CALMS Protocol™
Dysregulated Kids Podcast | The Dysregulated Kid

Get more resources and solutions from Dr. Roseann:

✅ Join the FREE Regulated Child Newsletter Summit to get a simple step by step plan to help your child find calm:
https://drroseann.com/regulatedchildsummit

✅ Get The Dysregulated Kid: The Parenting Playbook for Helping Your Child Find Calm in a Chaotic World https://drroseann.com/dysregulatedkid – where you get incredible pre-sale bonuses!

✅ The Dysregulation Insider – Get weekly calm parenting tips straight to your inbox: https://drroseann.com/newsletter/?utm_source=YouTube

ABOUT DR. ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE
I’m Dr. Roseann, Founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, creator of Regulation First Parenting™ and the CALMS Protocol™, and host of the Dysregulated Kids podcast. For 30+ years, I’ve helped children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, executive dysfunction, anxiety, OCD, and emotional dysregulation. As a psychologist, bestselling author, and mom of two neurodivergent boys, I provide brain-based, science-backed solutions that calm the brain first—because no learning, growth, or healing can happen without regulation. My mission is to equip parents and professionals with the tools to bring lasting calm, resilience, and emotional well-being to kids and families.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

⦿ Invite Dr. Roseann to speak to your audience. Email: drroseann@drroseann.org
⦿ Visit our Website: http://www.drroseann.com

⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about psychiatric medications, supplements, or other treatments for your child.

#PANS #PANDAS #Parenting #ParentingTips #KidsMentalHealth #AnxietyInKids #ChildBehavior #Dysregulation #SelfRegulation #EmotionalRegulation #ADHDkids #AutismParenting #CalmParenting #DrRoseann #DysregulatedKids #RegulationFirstParenting