FND can affect more than just someone’s symptoms. It can change how they spend time with other people, manage education or work, and share responsibilities at home.
Explaining FND may help others understand what is happening, but each person can choose what they share, with whom and when. No single explanation suits every situation.
A simple way to explain FND
You might say:
“FND is a recognised condition that affects how the brain and nervous system function. It can affect movement, sensation, speech, awareness or thinking. Symptoms are real, can vary, and may affect what I can manage from day to day.”
You can add what would be helpful from the other person:
“It helps if you ask what I need rather than assume. Some days I can do more than others.”
You do not have to explain every detail or answer questions you are not comfortable discussing.
Children and younger pupils
A younger child may need a short, reassuring explanation using familiar words. For example:
“Your brain and body are having trouble sending messages properly. You are not making it happen on purpose, and grown-ups are helping you.”
Children may need the explanation repeated as they grow or as their symptoms change. Give them space to ask questions, and avoid making them feel responsible for symptoms or for getting better.
School staff can help a child stay connected to learning and friends. With the child’s and family’s agreement, parents or carers can talk with the school about what symptoms may look like, what helps, and who to contact if the child becomes unwell. A clear, agreed plan can reduce confusion.
Some children may face teasing, disbelief or unwanted attention. Listen to what they say is happening and work with the school to address it. The child should not have to explain their diagnosis to classmates unless they want to. If they want to share information, a school adult can help keep the conversation age-appropriate and respectful.
In England, families can ask the school about special educational needs support and, when more support may be needed, an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Arrangements differ across the UK, so check the relevant local education service. GOV.UK: special educational needs support
Teenagers, college and university
Adolescence often brings a stronger need for privacy and independence. Ask the young person what they want shared with school, college, friends or wider family. Involve them in support decisions wherever possible.
FND may affect attendance, concentration, memory, mobility, communication, exams, or participation in activities. Support might include a named staff contact, flexibility around attendance, rest breaks, adjustments to the learning environment or a plan for symptoms during the day. What is suitable will depend on the young person and the education setting.
Having FND does not mean someone cannot continue their education. It may take planning and adjustments, and progress may not follow a straight line. Encourage the young person to stay involved with friends and activities in ways that feel manageable to them.
Adults, work and colleagues
Adults may need to decide whether to tell their employer or colleagues about FND. No one is obligated to explain personal medical details to everyone. A person may choose to share only the information needed to discuss support or adjustments.
FND can affect attendance, stamina, concentration, communication, mobility or the ability to carry out particular tasks. Some people continue working with changes to their role or working pattern. Others may need time away, a gradual return, or may find that they cannot sustain their job. These experiences can bring practical and emotional challenges, including worries about income, identity and relationships.
If someone wants to remain in work, they could discuss possible adjustments with their employer or occupational health service. Depending on their circumstances, support might include flexible hours, rest breaks, changes to duties, working from home, equipment or help with travel. In Great Britain, employers must consider reasonable adjustments for disabled employees; Access to Work may help with additional work-related support. Rules and services differ in Northern Ireland. GOV.UK: reasonable adjustments at work · GOV.UK: Access to Work
Colleagues can be supportive by respecting privacy, asking what would help and avoiding assumptions about what someone can manage based on how they look. A person may be able to do an activity one day and not another.
Relationships and support at home
FND can change how household tasks, caring responsibilities and social plans are shared. It may help to talk openly about which tasks are difficult, what support is wanted, and what the person would like to keep doing for themselves.
Families and households have different resources. The support available at home can depend on the person’s needs, who they live with, what informal help is available, and local services. Age can also affect which services are involved. There is no single level of home support that applies to everyone with FND.
In England, an adult who needs help with daily activities can ask their local council for a care needs assessment. If a child or young person needs significant support, families can contact children’s services about an assessment. Processes vary across the UK. NHS: getting a care needs assessment · NHS: children’s care and support services
People who provide regular unpaid support may also need support themselves. Asking for help, sharing tasks and taking breaks can be important parts of sustaining a relationship.
A few things to remember
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Let the person with FND decide what they want to share.
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Ask what support would help, rather than making assumptions.
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Symptoms and support needs can vary.
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Encourage independence where the person wants it, while recognising when they need help.
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New or different symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be FND; encourage the person to seek medical advice when appropriate.
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Family members, friends, and carers can also ask for support.
This article is for general information and support. It does not replace advice or care from a qualified health professional.