FND and young people (13+)

Young people can experience FND at school, with friends, exams and sport. Symptoms are real. Support should be practical and kind — not dismissive or “push through no matter what”.

For parents and carers

Believe the symptoms; avoid debates about whether they are “real”
Ask school for a written plan: rest space, exam access arrangements, phased return, reduced timetable if needed
Keep one shared note of patterns for clinic (sleep, stress, flares, recovery)
Protect your own support network — carers matter too
Coordinate messages so home and school are not giving opposite advice

For young people

You are not alone, and you did not cause this by being weak. Peer-led spaces exist so you can ask real questions without a lecture.

Teen Space: fndconnect.org.uk/teens/
Ask Mia (Q&A handbook): fndconnect.org.uk/teens/ask-mia/
Write down what school needs to know in your own words

School / college — what to ask for

In the day

Quiet rest space
Leave class early to avoid crowds
Water, snacks, movement breaks
Buddy system on bad days

Assessment

Extra time / rest breaks in exams
Separate room if needed
Deadline flexibility for flares
Phased return after absences

Safety

Emergency: 999. Urgent advice: NHS 111. Childline 0800 1111. Local CAMHS crisis routes where available. Teen Space is peer information, not a crisis service.