Upcoming Conferences Aim to Educate Doctors and Families About PANS

MAPS conferences in Charlotte, North Carolina will provide training for medical professionals and support for parents navigating complex neuroimmune conditions.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47am

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For many families, PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) begins with a child who seems to change overnight. PANS is a condition in which a child experiences a sudden and dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms driven by immune activation and inflammation affecting the brain. The upcoming MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs) conferences in Charlotte, North Carolina will provide education for both medical professionals and parents on diagnosing and treating PANS, as well as other complex neuroimmune and chronic conditions affecting children.

Why it matters

PANS is considered a neuroimmune condition, not a primary psychiatric disorder. Because immune system dysfunction and inflammation can disrupt normal brain signaling, it's essential to look for underlying triggers rather than only managing symptoms. Educating both medical professionals and parents is crucial for improving outcomes for children with PANS and related conditions.

The details

The MAPS Parent Conference on March 15 will provide a full day of education for parents and caregivers, with clinicians specializing in PANS, PANDAS, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, seizures, autism, ADHD, gut health, and more. The MAPS Spring 2026 Medical Conference from March 12-14 will offer in-depth clinical training for physicians and clinicians on diagnosing and treating these complex pediatric conditions.

  • The MAPS Parent Conference will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • The MAPS Spring 2026 Medical Conference will take place from March 12-14, 2026.

The players

MAPS—Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs

An organization that provides clinical education and training for professionals who care for children with complex neuroimmune and developmental conditions.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

By educating both families and medical professionals, MAPS is helping bridge the gap between lived experience and clinical care, creating better outcomes for children with PANS and related complex neuroimmune conditions.