PANS/ PANDAS

An Introduction for Occupational Therapists 

** Newly updated content based on the latest research **

 

2-hour Webinar with Dr Michelle Newby PhD, MSc, BHSc(OT).

Occupational Therapist | Educator | Mentor | Researcher 

Book Now

Spot the red flags

Learn how to identify sudden-onset behaviours that may indicate PANS/PANDAS.

Understand the impact

Discover how this medical condition affects children’s sensory processing and their participation across self-care, play, school, and sleep.

Act with clarity

Gain practical strategies to support children during exacerbation and remission phases.

Unlock the Secrets to Supporting Children with PANS/ PANDAS in Therapy

Are you an OT puzzled by children who suddenly develop intense anxiety, OCD-like behaviours, or regression in skills - seemingly overnight? Do these clients present like they’re in psychological crisis, but your go-to approaches aren’t helping?

You’re not imagining it - and you’re not alone.

Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and PANDAS (its strep-triggered variant) are real, complex, and often misunderstood medical conditions that can masquerade as mental health disorders. Children may suddenly stop eating, lose skills, resist daily routines, or spiral into rage - leaving therapists and families desperate for answers.

This webinar gives you the tools to make sense of the chaos. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of:

  • What PANS/ PANDAS is and how it impacts a child's sensory processing, independence and participation
  • What red flags to look for in your clinical assessments
  • How to adapt your OT intervention for exacerbation and remission phases of the condition.

Not an OT? Not a problem... 

Whether you're a psychologist, speech pathologist, educator or other allied health professional - this webinar is packed with practical insights that can help you better support children affected by PANS/PANDAS and collaborate more effectively across disciplines.

Save Your Spot Now

Join me, Dr Michelle Newby, for this insightful webinar where you'll discover: 

💡 The Hallmark Signs of PANS/PANDAS – Learn how to recognise the sudden-onset symptoms that distinguish this condition from other neurodevelopmental or mental health challenges.
💡 OT Strategies That Support, Not Trigger – Explore practical, phase-specific therapy approaches to reduce overwhelm, build trust, and maintain therapeutic momentum during exacerbation and remission periods.
💡 Real-Life Stories – Hear powerful case studies that bring the condition to life and deepen your clinical insight.

Book Now

Join me, Michelle Newby, for this insightful webinar where you'll discover: 

💡 The Key Characteristics of PDA – Understand the behavioural traits that make PDA unique.
💡 The Extreme Demand Avoidance Screening Tool– Learn about an evidence-based screening tool to help identify PDA traits and guide your clinical approach.
💡 Practical Therapy Strategies – Discover tried and tested therapy strategies to reduce resistance, foster engagement, and create therapeutic success.
💡 The Lived Experience of PDA – Gain insights from real-world perspectives to deepen your understanding and empathy.

READ MORE

About me...

Hi, I’m Dr Michelle Newby - occupational therapist, educator, researcher, mentor, and international speaker. For more than 25 years, I have worked alongside neurodivergent children, young people, and their families, as well as the occupational therapists who support them, helping to make sense of complex presentations and identify practical pathways forward.

I have a PhD in Occupational Therapy, with my doctoral research exploring the sensory processing and occupational performance challenges experienced by children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). My research is deeply grounded in clinical practice, informed by years of supporting children with PANS/PANDAS from across Australia who have come to my clinic seeking answers, understanding, and support.

I have had the privilege of sharing my research and clinical insights internationally, presenting in Sweden, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. These experiences have provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with professionals worldwide and continue to shape my understanding of effective, evidence-informed practice for children living with PANS.

My passion is helping occupational therapists move from uncertainty to confidence when working with complex neurodevelopmental and neuroimmune presentations. This webinar brings together current research, clinical expertise, and real-world case examples to provide practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be immediately applied when supporting children with PANS/PANDAS and their families.

Join Me Live

 

Date: Friday 3rd July, 2026

Time: 09.00am to 11.00am (NSW - AEST)

Investment: $130.00

Attendees joining the live session will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A.

Can’t make it live? No problem - a recording will be available so you won’t miss out.

 

Save Your Spot Now

00

DAYS

00

HOURS

00

MINS

00

SECS

Reserve your spot now - don't miss out!

Supporting a child with PANS or PANDAS can feel confusing and overwhelming - especially when behaviours shift overnight and traditional strategies fall short. You’re not alone, and there is a path forward.

This webinar will equip you with clear, practical, and research-informed strategies to better understand and support children with this complex condition - both during flare-ups and in recovery.

Spots are limited and interest is high.

Can’t attend live? No problem - a full recording will be available so you can catch up in your own time.

What You’ll Gain:
✔️ Clarity on how to recognise the signs of PANS/PANDAS 
✔️ OT strategies tailored to the unique challenges of this condition
✔️ Clinical insight drawn from research and real-world experience

Register now to secure your place - so you can feel more confident supporting these children when they need it most.

Register now to secure your spot!

Save My Spot