FND at school, college and university

Education settings can support young people and students with FND when they understand fluctuation, recovery time and cognitive load. This sheet helps families and staff start that conversation.

What staff should know

Symptoms are real and may not be visible all the time
A student can look well and still be close to a crash
Exams, corridors, noise and PE can all increase load
Belief and a written plan reduce missed learning and anxiety

Adjustments to discuss

School / college

Rest space and exit pass
Exam access arrangements
Phased timetable / reduced days
Catch-up plan after absences

University

Disability services referral
DSA assessment where eligible
Deadline flexibility policies
Recording lectures / notes support

Evidence that helps

A short clinical letter describing functional impact (not only the diagnosis name), plus the student’s own description of bad-day needs, often works better than long medical jargon.

Safety

If episodes occur on site, staff need a simple first-aid and when-to-call-999 plan agreed with the family/student. See also the functional seizures leaflet if relevant.