OCD and tics are two of the most common ways PANS/PANDAS shows up, and neither one tends to look the way parents expect. In this episode, teens Lynn and Brady describe what it actually felt like growing up with PANDAS: the fear of shiny objects, being called names by classmates who don't understand your tics and intrusive thoughts that convinced them something was deeply wrong with who they were.

This conversation gets into why so much of what PANS/PANDAS kids experience stays hidden for years. Kids assume their intrusive thoughts mean something about them, so they don't tell anyone, and parents read their behavior as ordinary anxiety. This episode covers the difference between anxiety and OCD, why curiosity works better than problem solving, the shame that keeps kids silent, and the single reframe that helps the most: if a thought horrifies you, that's evidence it isn't you. 

This episode includes discussion of intrusive thoughts, including sexual and harm-themed OCD, and bullying.

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 

National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance https://www.nationalpandasyouthalliance.org/home 

PANDAS PARENTS Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/461708653853619

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/