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Learn about JIA

Raising a child with JIA

This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.

Raising a child with JIA

This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.

Parent FAQ

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

School FAQ

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

Living with JIA

Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?

Understanding Autoimmunity

Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.

Treatments and Therapies

An overview of the medicines, therapies, and support a child with JIA may encounter.

Symptoms and Complications

Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?

Flares

Your child is said to be flaring when their disease is most symptomatic.

Diet and Nutrition

There is so much advice about food – what to believe?

Why a Paediatric rheumatologist

Juvenile arthritis is distinct from adult arthritis in significant ways and requires a paediatrician to diagnose and treat.

JIA and the Flu Vaccine

Protecting your child from unnecessary infections can potentially prevent a flare of symptoms.
Chicken pox poses specific risks for children with JIA and the vaccination needs to be carefully timed.

JIA and COVID-19

How does COVID-19 impact children with JIA? What do you need to aware of?

Jeannie Cavé

A diagnosis of JIA can be overwhelming and stressful. Play therapy can help children process their emotions.

Natalie Phillips

Natalie explains what a biokineticist does and how they might help a child with JIA.

Kirby Emslie

Occupational therapy helps children with JIA who have been impacted physically to participate in daily life.

Nicky Lasch

Paediatric neuro-developmental physiotherapists have specialised training that is suited to younger children with JIA.

Michelle Crossman

Michelle was diagnosed when she was nine years old and was the inspiration to Arthritis Kids South Africa.

Catherine McCormack

I’ve been an arthritis mom since 2010 when my then two-year-old was diagnosed with JIA

Ella McCormack

In 2021 Ella is twelve and on her third biologic. She is healthy, symptom-free, and suffers no side effects.

Mkhanyiselwa's Story

One-year-old Mkhanyiselwa had been sick for five months by the time he was seen, by chance, by a paediatric rheumatologist

Troy's Story

This is a success story: an early diagnosis, swift action by an appropriate medical specialist, and aggressive treatment.

Nicky Lasch

Paediatric neuro-developmental physiotherapists have specialised training that is suited to younger children with JIA.

Michelle Crossman

Michelle was diagnosed when she was nine years old and was the inspiration to Arthritis Kids South Africa.