Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - When Symptoms are Real but Tests are Normal...

What happens when a child experiences seizures, tics, weakness, paralysis or persistent pain—but hospital tests do not reveal an identifiable medical cause? That does not mean the symptoms are imagined or that nothing is wrong. In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr Inyang Takon speaks with child and adolescent psychotherapist Sagal Hassan about Functional Neurological Disorder, commonly known as FND, and related functional somatic symptoms in children and young people. FND can be frightening and confusing for children, families, schools and healthcare professionals. A young person may experience real, disabling physical symptoms while repeatedly being told that their medical tests are normal. This can leave families feeling dismissed, anxious and unsure about what to do next. Sagal explains the important relationship between physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing and chronic stress—without reducing the condition to being “all in the child’s mind.” She and Dr Takon also explore why adolescence can be a particularly vulnerable time and the crossover between FND, neurodivergence, anxiety and school attendance difficulties. In this episode, we discuss: \* How FND can present in children and teenagers \* Seizure-like episodes, tics, weakness, paralysis, fatigue and persistent pain \* Why normal test results do not mean that the symptoms are not real \* The relationship between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing \* FND in autistic and ADHD young people \* Why some young people suppress or struggle to identify emotional distress \* The impact of repeated medical investigations and feeling disbelieved \* Why psychological support should be introduced early \* Supporting children who are struggling to attend school \* The importance of flexibility, routine and maintaining some normality \* How parents, schools and healthcare professionals can work together \* What can help a child or young person move towards recovery ABOUT SAGAL HASSAN Sagal Hassan is an ACP-registered Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. She works with children, teenagers and families experiencing neurodivergence, chronic health conditions, functional symptoms, school attendance difficulties and complex emotional challenges. She works at The Soke in Chelsea and also has an independent child and adolescent psychotherapy practice. CONNECT WITH SAGAL Website: https://www.sagalhassan.co.uk/ Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist & Consultant Sagal Hassan Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Highgate | Online | Harley Street E: info@sagalhassan.co.uk W: sagalhassan.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sagalhassan \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ ABOUT EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS: Hosted by Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician, UK. New episodes weekly. Website: www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/inyang-takon-paeds/   Substack Articles: https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/ (Ask a Developmental Paediatrician)  and https://braindiverse.substack.com/ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ If you found this conversation helpful, subscribe to Early Intervention Matters, leave a review or comment, and share the episode with another parent, educator or healthcare professional. This episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Support the show **Resources** Website: www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at [eim@drtakon.com](mailto:eim@drtakon.com) Connect on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician  Read our SUBSTACK Articles for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals  Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com