Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is often associated with adults, but did you know that children, teenagers and young adults can also develop this complex neurological condition? In Episode 8, Paul Edwards explores the realities of FND in younger people, the challenges they face and why greater awareness is urgently needed across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Imagine being fourteen years old, watching your friends attend school, enjoy sports and make plans for their futures, while you struggle with weakness, tremors, functional seizures, fatigue or difficulties walking. For some young people living with FND, this is their everyday reality. In this episode, we explore: How FND can affect children, teenagers and young adults.Why functional neurological symptoms are genuine and involuntary.Why normal medical investigations do not mean symptoms are imaginary.The importance of appropriate diagnosis and early recognition.How FND can affect education, friendships, independence and emotional wellbeing.Educational support arrangements across the four UK nations, including EHCPs in England, Individual Development Plans in Wales and Additional Support for Learning in Scotland.The importance of coordinated healthcare, rehabilitation and school support.Challenges when transitioning from children's to adult healthcare services.Why parents, carers, teachers and healthcare professionals need greater FND awareness.More Awareness. Brighter Futures. Children living with FND deserve to be listened to, believed and supported. Their symptoms should never automatically be dismissed as attention-seeking, behavioural difficulties or school avoidance. Equally, an FND diagnosis should be made through appropriate clinical assessment, and new or changing symptoms should not automatically be attributed to FND. This episode also explores something that can be overlooked: loneliness. For a young person, losing contact with school friends, missing important milestones or feeling different from their classmates can be deeply isolating. Sometimes, what a child wants most is simply one friend who understands. Greater awareness must extend beyond hospitals and clinics into schools, youth organisations, families and communities. A child with FND is still a child. They deserve an education, friendships, understanding and the chance to enjoy growing up. About the Presenter Paul Edwards lives with Functional Neurological Disorder and functional aphonia, which affects his ability to speak. Although this podcast uses computer-generated narration, the research, words and lived experiences shared are his own. Through FND: The Questions Nobody Asks, Paul aims to challenge misconceptions, promote evidence-informed education and encourage greater understanding of FND. Because understanding begins when we stop making assumptions. Further Information and Resources NICE — Neurological Rehabilitation Guidance (NG252)NICE — Suspected Neurological Conditions in Children (NG127)NHS Scotland — Functional Neurological Disorder PathwayGOV.UK — Special Educational Needs and EHCPsWelsh Government — Additional Learning NeedsEducation Scotland — Additional Support for LearningNorthern Ireland Department of Education — Special Educational NeedsMedical Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Children and young people experiencing neurological symptoms should receive appropriate assessment from qualified healthcare professionals.