FND Connect Speech Difficulty Disability Card

The FND Connect Speech Difficulty Disability Card is designed to help people understand what is happening when someone is struggling to speak because of Functional Neurological Disorder.

For many people with FND, speech can become difficult, slowed, slurred, blocked, quiet, jumbled, or temporarily impossible. This can be frightening and frustrating, especially when others misunderstand it as rudeness, confusion, intoxication, anxiety, or someone “not trying hard enough”.

This card helps explain the situation quickly and clearly when the person may not be able to explain it themselves.

The front of the card gives a clear message for others:

• I may struggle to speak
• I am not drunk
• I am not being rude
• I am not confused or stupid
• My brain is having a temporary communication episode
• Please be patient, stay calm, and give me time

The reverse side gives practical guidance on how to support someone who is struggling to speak. It explains that people should stay calm, give extra time to respond, speak clearly and simply, ask yes or no questions if needed, offer a pen, phone, notes or text, and reduce noise, pressure and distractions.

It also includes a clear “please do not” section, helping others understand not to assume the person is drunk or on drugs, shout, get frustrated, mock them, laugh, or force them to talk.

The card also explains when emergency medical help may be needed, including if the speech difficulty is completely new, there is facial drooping, new weakness on one side, severe headache or chest pain, confusion or drowsiness, injury, or serious concern for the person’s safety.

There is space to write the cardholder’s name and emergency contact details, making it useful for daily life, appointments, public spaces, work, school, travel, events, shops, transport, and situations where the person may struggle to communicate in the moment.

Key features

• Double-sided FND speech difficulty awareness card
• Clear explanation for when speech becomes difficult or temporarily affected
• Helps reduce misunderstanding, pressure and frustration
• Gives practical communication tips for others
• Includes clear “please do not” guidance
• Includes emergency warning signs
• Space for name and emergency contact
• Designed in FND Connect colours
• Suitable for use with a lanyard or card holder

This card is not a medical alert device and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or emergency care. It is designed as a communication and awareness aid to help others respond calmly, respectfully and appropriately when someone with FND is struggling to speak.