Part 1: Pediatric Onset MS patients are more likely to have higher disease activity and may experience two to three times as many clinical attacks as adults. The onset of MS during a developmental period in which myelination is ongoing in the CNS and, whilst the child is acquiring cognitive competencies, can have remarkable consequences on neuropsychological functioning and psychosocial development. Teens are at high risk for maladaptation and mental health issues related to their diagnosis of MS. This symposium will review developmental considerations working with adolescents, explore challenges with acceptance of diagnosis of MS, and explore the cognitive effects of MS during adolescent brain development. We will explore therapeutic communication strategies and psychosocial supports to promote adjustment and coping in the adolescent with MS. We will discuss our successes and challenges with creating patient and family education events and teen support groups. This talk may be useful for nurses, social workers, counsellors and physicians and will be provided at an enthusiastic, basic level of information. Level of Information: Basic Part 2: As people with MS age, they face unique challenges including physical decline, cognitive changes, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. These changes are compounded by comorbidities, polypharmacy, and socioeconomic and cultural factors. Mental health concerns significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence, making it essential for all providers, including neurologists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists, to share responsibility for screening, multi-faceted intervention, and integrated care. Practical strategies include using validated screening tools, establishing referral pathways, leveraging telehealth, and initiating mental health conversations during routine visits. Holistic approaches that center on each patient’s unique identities and needs, as well as ways to address barriers to care will be emphasized. A collaborative, team-based approach promotes comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological needs for older adults with MS. This will be an interactive and engaging presentation with live polling and discussion. Level of Information: IntermediatePart 1: Pediatric Onset MS patients are more likely to have higher disease activity and may experience two to three times as many clinical attacks as adults. The onset of MS during a developmental period in which myelination is ongoing in the CNS and, whilst the child is acquiring cognitive competencies, can have remarkable consequences on neuropsychological functioning and psychosocial development. Teens are at high risk for maladaptation and mental health issues related to their diagnosis of MS. This symposium will review developmental considerations working with adolescents, explore challenges with acceptance of diagnosis of MS, and explore the cognitive effects of MS during adolescent brain development. We will explore therapeutic communication strategies and psychosocial supports to promote adjustment and coping in the adolescent with MS. We will discuss our successes and challenges with creating patient and family education events and teen support groups. This talk may be useful for nurses, social workers, counsellors and physicians and will be provided at an enthusiastic, basic level of information. Level of Information: Basic Part 2: As people with MS age, they face unique challenges including physical decline, cognitive changes, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. These changes are compounded by comorbidities, polypharmacy, and socioeconomic and cultural factors. Mental health concerns significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence, making it essential for all providers, including neurologists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists, to share responsibility for screening, multi-faceted intervention, and integrated care. Practical strategies include using validated screening tools, establishing referral pathways, leveraging telehealth, and initiating mental health conversations during routine visits. Holistic approaches that center on each patient’s unique identities and needs, as well as ways to address barriers to care will be emphasized. A collaborative, team-based approach promotes comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological needs for older adults with MS. This will be an interactive and engaging presentation with live polling and discussion. Level of Information: Intermediate