Fewer words, clearer asks
People often need fewer words and a clearer ask. Here's the cheat sheet — not a speech contest.
“My body's doing the FND thing and I need help with [rest / school email / getting to the GP]. I'm not fine just because I looked okay earlier.”
If they go into fix-it mode too hard: “I need you to believe me first. Then we can plan.”
If they're scared and it comes out as anger: that can still hurt. You can say “I know you're worried. Anger isn't helping me right now.”
“I have FND — a neurological condition that can affect movement / seizures / energy. I might need [quiet space / to leave / a rest break]. SENCO has / should have the plan.”
If they say you looked fine five minutes ago: “It fluctuates. That's part of it.”
If they want the full medical essay in the corridor: “I can talk properly with SENCO — right now I need [X].”
Brain fog in appointments is a known boss fight. Notes on your phone help. Cover:
You can say: “I forget things under pressure — can I read from my notes?” That's professional, not rude.
You can be calm and still firm. Try:
Not every adult is the right adult. Keep going until you find one who listens — second opinion, different teacher, different clinician, advocacy through school support.
“Can't talk properly right now. Body is bad. I need [quiet / pick-up / help emailing school]. I'll explain more later.”
Voice notes count. Emails count. You don't have to perform articulate wellness to deserve help.