Your child is screaming in the car, refusing to go to school. Or they're hiding under their bed, terrified of another doctor's appointment. You know something is deeply wrong, but from the outside, it just looks like defiance. Welcome to one of the most misunderstood aspects of PANS/PANDAS: refusal behaviors.

In this episode, licensed clinical social worker Angela Henry joins hosts Krystal Vivian and Lindsey Forsyth to unpack why so many children with PANS/PANDAS struggle with school and medical appointments—and what parents can actually do about it. From understanding the difference between "not willing" and "not able" to exploring options like IEPs, homeschooling, and unschooling, this conversation offers both validation and practical strategies.

Whether your child is currently refusing to get out of the car or you're worried about what happens when refusal turns physical, this episode tackles the hard questions with honesty and compassion. Because sometimes the most important thing parents need to hear is: you're not alone, this is real, and there are people who understand.

RESOURCES:
Surviving The Flares: An Emotional Toolkit For PANS/PANDAS Caregivers — Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Claimable https://www.getclaimable.com/ 

PANDAS Michiana https://pandasmichiana.com/ 

PANDAS Physician Network https://www.pandasppn.org/ 

PANDAS Network https://pandasnetwork.org/understanding-pandas/ 

Angela Henry, LCSW https://angelahenrylcsw.com/services/pandas-pans-ae 

ASPIRE PANS PANDAS Advocacy, Community & Support Aspire

Neuroimmune Foundation Neuroimmune Foundation | Inflammatory Brain Conditions

Mind Global Council https://www.mindglobalcouncil.com/

OCD Family Podcast https://www.ocdfamilypodcast.com/

Hornets and Hippos Workbook: https://margaretjessoppsyd.com/hornets-and-hippos/ 

Parenting Resources:

Dr. Ross Greene https://drrossgreene.com/ 

Dr. Becky Kennedy https://www.goodinside.com/about/ 

Dr. Dan Siegel https://drdansiegel.com/ 

Brene Brown (professor and researcher of shame, vulnerability, courage and empathy) https://brenebrown.com/