Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND) Treatment for Children and Teens
Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), formerly known as Conversion Disorder, is a condition in which children experience genuine neurological symptoms—such as weakness, tremors, gait difficulties, non-epileptic seizures, or changes in speech or movement—that cannot be explained by an underlying neurological disease. Although medical testing is often normal, the symptoms are real, involuntary, and can significantly interfere with daily life.
FND is increasingly understood as a disorder of nervous system functioning rather than structural damage to the brain. With specialized, evidence-based treatment, many children experience significant improvement and return to their usual activities.
Dr. Diana Bastien provides specialized assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with FND, helping families understand the condition while supporting recovery through evidence-based psychological care.
Understanding Pediatric FND
Children with FND often experience symptoms that change over time and may worsen during periods of stress, illness, fatigue, or heightened emotional demands. Common symptoms include:
Functional (non-epileptic) seizures
Tremors or involuntary movements
Weakness or paralysis
Walking or balance difficulties
Speech or voice changes
Functional sensory symptoms
Episodes of unresponsiveness
These symptoms are not intentionally produced or "faked." Rather, they reflect changes in how the brain is functioning, even though its structure remains healthy.
How Dr. Bastien Treats Pediatric FND
Comprehensive Evaluation
Treatment begins with a comprehensive psychological evaluation to understand your child's symptoms, medical history, emotional functioning, family context, and factors contributing to symptom development and maintenance. This evaluation helps guide an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child's unique presentation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the primary evidence-based treatments for pediatric FND. Therapy focuses on helping children better understand the relationship between the brain, body, emotions, and physical symptoms while developing practical strategies for recovery.
Treatment may include helping children:
Understand how FND develops and is maintained
Identify patterns that contribute to symptoms
Develop healthier responses to stress and uncertainty
Reduce avoidance behaviors
Gradually resume normal daily activities
Graded Exposure and Functional Restoration
Many children with FND begin avoiding activities because they fear symptoms or have lost confidence in their bodies. Treatment uses carefully planned, gradual exposure to help children safely return to valued activities, including school, sports, social interactions, and physical movement.
The goal is not to eliminate symptoms immediately but to help children regain confidence in their ability to function despite symptoms.
Parent Involvement
Parents play a critical role in recovery. Dr. Bastien works closely with families to develop strategies that support progress while reducing patterns that may unintentionally reinforce symptoms.
Parent sessions often focus on:
Responding consistently to symptoms
Encouraging independence and gradual return to normal activities
Reducing accommodation and avoidance
Supporting school participation and daily routines
Reinforcing progress and resilience
Collaboration with Medical Providers
FND treatment is often most effective when medical and psychological providers work together. Dr. Bastien collaborates with pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other members of your child's treatment team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Research suggests that children with FND often experience better outcomes when treatment begins early. Prompt intervention can reduce disability, improve school attendance and social functioning, and help children regain confidence in their ability to participate fully in daily life.
Recovery is rarely about eliminating stress entirely. Instead, treatment helps children develop new patterns of responding that support nervous system regulation, resilience, and long-term functioning.
Request an Appointment
If your child is experiencing symptoms consistent with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), early evaluation and treatment can make a meaningful difference.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive psychological evaluation to better understand your child's symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan based on their unique needs.
Request an appointment today to learn how specialized, evidence-based treatment can support your child's recovery.