Dr. Elizabeth Miller Speaks at PANS & PANDAS Awareness Day at the Texas State Capitol
On Friday, October 9, 2026, I had the honor of joining the expert panel at the 4th Annual PANS & PANDAS Awareness Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families, advocates, clinicians, educators, and community leaders gathered for a day focused on awareness, support, and hope for Texas children living with PANS and PANDAS.
This year’s theme was UNITED, and that’s exactly how the day felt. When families, clinicians, and lawmakers come together in one room, our voices are stronger and hope grows.
The event was hosted by PANS Awareness TX, a Texas nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for families affected by PANS and PANDAS.
What is PANS and PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions in which a child’s behavior changes suddenly and dramatically, often after an infection. PANDAS is linked specifically to strep. PANS can follow other infections or triggers.
Common symptoms include:
Sudden obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Severe anxiety, especially separation anxiety
Restricted eating
Rage, irritability, or mood swings
Tics
Regression in behavior, handwriting, or schoolwork
Sleep problems and frequent urination
Because these symptoms look like psychiatric conditions, many children go months or years without the right diagnosis. That’s why awareness matters so much.
To learn more, read our guide: PANS & PANDAS: What Parents Need to Know and How to Support Your Child.
A Panel United for Children and Families
I was proud to share the stage with clinicians and advocates who approach PANS and PANDAS from many angles:
Amy Offutt, MD, MS: Integrative medicine; Texas PANS Advisory Council member
Jana Roso, PNP-C, APRN, FMAPS: Pediatric nurse practitioner
Angelina Farella, MD: Pediatrician specializing in PANS/PANDAS and neurodevelopmental conditions
Elizabeth Miller, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S: Texas PANS Advisory Council member; founder of Well Mind Body
Lizzie Martinez, MA, MHOM, CCH: Homeopath specializing in complex pediatric cases
Courtney Dillon, MS, LPC: Counselor specializing in OCD, anxiety, and PANS/PANDAS
Rev. Kelley Siliven: Parent advocate; vice president of PANS Awareness TX
The Mental Health Side of PANS and PANDAS
As a therapist and a member of the Texas PANS Advisory Council, I spoke about the emotional side of these conditions, for children and for the whole family.
PANS and PANDAS affect the whole family. Parents often carry fear, exhaustion, and grief while advocating for their child in a system that doesn’t always understand. Children may feel confused and ashamed of behaviors they can’t control. Siblings feel the strain too. Medical treatment is essential, and so is emotional support.
Why Awareness Day Matters
When families show up at the Capitol, legislators see the real impact of these conditions. Awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, better access to care, and more support for families who too often feel alone. I left Austin feeling hopeful and more committed than ever to this work.
Thank you to PANS Awareness TX, to my fellow panelists, and to every family who traveled to the Capitol to share their story.
PANS/PANDAS Support in Houston
At Well Mind Body, we support children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS through counseling, parent support, and mind-body care in Houston and virtually throughout Texas.
Our PANS/PANDAS Parent Support Group occurs monthly at Well Mind BOdy 3801 Kirby Drive Suite 344 Houston, Texas 77098. The group is a confidential space for parents and caregivers to connect, share, and care for themselves while caring for their child.
Reserve your spot in the Parent Support Group
Book a session at Well Mind Body
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PANS and PANDAS?
PANDAS is a subtype of PANS linked specifically to strep infections. PANS describes the same sudden onset of symptoms triggered by other infections or factors.
Can therapy help a child with PANS or PANDAS?
Yes. Therapy doesn’t replace medical treatment, but it can help children manage anxiety, OCD symptoms, and big emotions. It also gives parents tools and support during flares.
Is there PANS/PANDAS support in Houston?
Yes. Well Mind Body offers counseling and a PANS/PANDAS Parent Support Group at 3801 Kirby Drive in Houston, with virtual options throughout Texas.
Thank you for being here,
Dr. E
Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S
Founder, Well Mind Body Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness
3801 Kirby Drive, Suite 344, Houston, TX 77098
