FND Hub | The Global Resource for Functional Neurological Disorder

FND in the Classroom

Children and young people with FND face unique challenges. Symptoms often fluctuate throughout the school day and are highly sensitive to the stress of exams, social pressure, and physical fatigue.

Recommended Accommodations

Gradual Re-integration:
Avoid long absences. It is better to attend school for 1 hour a day than to be off for 3 weeks and try to return full-time.
A 'Safe Space' Protocol:
If a seizure or tremor occurs, the student should have a pre-arranged quiet area to go to without drawing attention from peers.
Academic Support:
Extra time on exams and the ability to take breaks can reduce the 'performance anxiety' that often triggers functional symptoms.

Talking to Teachers

Educators may not have heard of FND or may mistake it for anxiety or "acting out." Providing the school with an official FND fact sheet and a letter from your neurologist is essential.

The Goal is Participation

The emphasis should be on keeping the student as involved in school life as possible. Even if they can't attend physical education, they can still participate in the social aspects of the class.

University & Higher Education

University students should register with their institution's disability service. Many universities provide:

Flexible deadlines for assignments.
Access to recorded lectures for high-fatigue days.
Specialized housing if mobility is a major concern.

IEP / 504 Plans

In the US, students with FND are often eligible for an IEP or 504 plan. In the UK, an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan may be appropriate for more severe cases.