2026 Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month Spotlights Early Diagnosis in Children

American College of Rheumatology campaign equips caregivers, schools and clinicians with resources to recognize pediatric rheumatic disease symptoms and seek timely care

ATLANTA – In recognition of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM), the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is launching its 2026 awareness campaign: “Little Joints, Big Impact: Pediatric Rheumatology Awareness Leads to Early Diagnosis.”

The campaign is designed to help parents, caregivers, educators and frontline health professionals recognize potential signs of rheumatic disease in children and understand when a referral to pediatric rheumatology may be appropriate. By encouraging earlier recognition and prompt evaluation, the initiative aims to help reduce disease progression and improve the lives of children affected by rheumatic conditions.

“Like adults, children, and adolescents also suffer from rheumatologic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus, juvenile dermatomyositis, vasculitis and others. These diseases sometimes start insidiously. In addition, children may not always be able to clearly describe their symptoms such as joint pain or stiffness, and their symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for growing pains,” said Ekemini A. Ogbu, MD, MSc, Chair of the ACR Committee on Pediatric Rheumatology. “This campaign gives families and the people who support them practical information to identify concerning symptoms, seek care early and connect children with the right specialists for appropriate care.

RDAM 2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of the pediatric rheumatology specialty. Over five decades, pediatric rheumatologists have advanced the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of children living with rheumatic disease, helping more young people manage symptoms, stay active and participate fully in school, family and community life.”

The anniversary provides an important opportunity to recognize the specialty’s progress while reaffirming the need for timely diagnosis and equitable access to expert care.

The RDAM 2026 Campaign Toolkit offers free, shareable resources for organizations, caregivers, schools and clinicians, including:

• A parent-friendly infographic that helps distinguish possible rheumatic disease symptoms from typical growing pains and provides referral guidance.
• A clinician one-pager for pediatricians, school nurses and primary care teams outlining symptom red flags and referral pathways.
• A school toolkit for teachers, counselors and school staff addressing mobility support, flare days and classroom accommodations.
• A child-friendly coloring sheet highlighting low-impact physical activities that children with rheumatic disease may enjoy.
• A video interview in which a pediatric rheumatologist addresses common questions from parents following a child’s diagnosis.
• An ACR on Air podcast featuring a family’s experience with diagnosis, treatment, living with rheumatic disease and advocacy.
• A blog post about a 16-year-old diagnosed with juvenile arthritis who overcame a difficult medical journey and is now an advocate for other children with rheumatic disease.
• Downloadable social media graphics and sample captions focused on early recognition, family-centered support, school-based messaging and clinician awareness.

The campaign also features educational videos that highlight advances in pediatric rheumatology, the daily work of pediatric rheumatologists and the community of care surrounding children and families living with rheumatic disease.

Organizations and individuals are invited to share RDAM 2026 resources across their social channels, clinical settings, schools and community networks. By helping caregivers recognize symptoms earlier and seek specialized care promptly, partners can play a meaningful role in improving outcomes for children with rheumatic disease.

For RDAM 2026 campaign resources, including videos, downloadable graphics and educational tools, visit the RDAM webpage.

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
757-272-7002
tarnold@rheumatology.org

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About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves nearly 10,500 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.