In this issue of InforMS, we turn our focus to a rarely discussed but deeply important topic: pediatric multiple sclerosis. While MS is most often diagnosed in young adults, it can also appear in children and teens. For families, the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, unexpected, and isolating. But as the stories in these pages remind us, children with MS—and their families—are not alone.
We begin with insights from Dr. Teri Schreiner, pediatric MS specialist and Director of the Neuroimmunology Clinic for Children (NICC) at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She helps us understand what makes pediatric MS unique, how treatment has evolved, and what research is teaching us about risk factors and early detection.
We then hear directly from families living with pediatric MS. Brooke Jones reflects on her daughter Abby’s journey and the strength her family found in advocacy and community. Ramah, diagnosed at just 10 years old, shares her perspective on growing up with MS and the lessons of resilience and self-advocacy that continue to shape her young adulthood.
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Finally, we explore the emotional side of pediatric MS with Dr. Jennifer Lindwall, a clinical psychologist who works with children, teens, and their families at the NICC. She reminds us that caring for emotional health is just as vital as managing physical symptoms, and offers guidance for helping kids thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Together, these voices highlight the challenges and triumphs of pediatric MS—reminding us that while the diagnosis is rare, the resilience of young people and their families is extraordinary.
