PANS & PANDAS Support for Children
Gentle Naturopathic Care for Sudden Behavioural and Neurological Changes
When a Child Changes Suddenly
Many parents describe the same moment.
“My child was fine… and then suddenly everything changed.”
A once calm, happy child may begin refusing school, developing fears, washing repeatedly, becoming overwhelmed, or showing sudden emotional and behavioural shifts. Some children develop tics, sleep disturbances, sensory sensitivities, or regression in skills such as handwriting or toileting. These changes often appear quickly, sometimes following an illness, and can feel confusing and frightening for families.
If this sounds familiar, you are not imagining it. Sudden change in a child always deserves gentle, careful attention.
What is PANS / PANDAS?
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) describes a sudden onset of behavioural, emotional, or neurological symptoms in children. PANDAS is a subtype associated with streptococcal infection, but many children develop PANS after other infections, immune stress, or inflammatory triggers.
Symptoms often appear rapidly rather than gradually. Even when medical tests appear normal, the child’s nervous system, immune system, and gut may still be under significant strain.
Signs Parents Often Notice
Parents commonly report:
Sudden anxiety, fears, or emotional volatility
Obsessive or repetitive behaviours
Tics or motor changes
Sleep disturbance or night waking
Handwriting regression or concentration changes
Sensory sensitivities or overwhelm
Behavioural regression after illness
Mood swings, irritability, or clinginess
These symptoms are real and often reflect deeper nervous system and immune imbalance.
The Gut–Immune–Brain Connection
In children with PANS, the nervous system, immune system, and gut are often closely linked. Inflammation, immune activation, and microbiome imbalance can influence brain signalling and behaviour.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, a naturopathic approach looks at the whole child:
Is the nervous system overwhelmed?
Is the immune system overactive or dysregulated?
Is the gut inflamed or out of balance?
Are there nutritional or environmental stressors affecting brain function?
Supporting regulation across these systems helps create the conditions for healing.
My Naturopathic Approach
Care is gentle, paced, and individualised. The goal is not to suppress symptoms, but to support the child’s underlying regulation.
Support may focus on:
Calming the nervous system
Reducing inflammatory load
Supporting immune balance
Restoring gut health and microbiome stability
Addressing nutritional foundations
Supporting emotional resilience
Every child is different. Rather than doing everything at once, we move step by step at a pace the child can tolerate.
Is Testing Needed?
Not always. Some children improve with supportive care alone.
When symptoms are complex or persistent, testing can help guide personalised care. Depending on the child, this may include:
Microbiome testing
Key nutrient levels (iron, zinc, B12, vitamin D)
Food sensitivity patterns
Mineral balance (HTMA)
Testing is used thoughtfully, not routinely, and always in a way that supports rather than overwhelms the child.
How We Work Together
Care is collaborative, calm, and supportive for both child and parent.
Together we:
Understand your child’s story and symptom pattern
Identify possible triggers and stressors
Support nervous system safety and regulation
Build a gentle, step-by-step plan
Adjust care as your child responds
Parents are guided throughout the process, and support evolves as the child stabilises and strengthens.
Common Questions
Can a naturopath help with PANS?
Yes. Naturopathic care can support immune regulation, gut health, nervous system calming, and nutritional foundations, which are often key drivers underneath PANS symptoms.
What triggers PANS?
Common triggers include infections, immune stress, inflammation, gut disruption, and environmental factors.
Do we need testing?
Not always. Testing is used when helpful to guide care, not as a requirement.
How long does improvement take?
Every child is different. Some families notice early shifts within weeks, while deeper healing often takes time and steady support.
Support for Your Child
If your child has changed suddenly, and you feel something is not quite right, trust your knowing. You know your child best.
Gentle, supportive care can help restore regulation, resilience, and balance.
If this reflects your child’s experience and you would like guided support, you are welcome to begin here.
With warmth and care,
Ayelet