Conversion Syndrome/Functional Neurological Disorder

Posts: 105

Jo Lambert

Topic starter

Jan 31, 2023 8:55 am

(@jo-lambertessex-gov-uk)

Estimable Member

Joined: 8 years ago

[#1032]

hi - has anyone else been getting referrals for CYP with Conversion Disorder? "Conversion disorder is <b>a mental condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation</b>."

I am liaising with colleagues in Health and within Education to find out the best way to support them as we have now had 2 referrals and one possible further one. Health seem to be saying that giving them wheelchairs and OT support etc is not the way forward...I am not sure there a role for our service if it is not being seen as a physical disability. However, schools need some support from somewhere! Trying to get some kind of policy/guidance document together for how we manage these referrals in future as I strongly suspect there will be more. I would be interested to see if anyone else has come across it and, if so, how they were approached. Many thanks!

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Posts: 12

Gemma Cannon Jones

Feb 01, 2023 9:37 am

(@gemma-cannonjoneshertfordshire-gov-uk)

Eminent Member

Joined: 8 years ago

Hi Jo, we have had 3 referrals for this condition. It is really tricky as they are presenting with a physical difficulty, however not a physical disability. We have been providing reasonable adjustments where we are able to. I too would be really interested in hearing others views.

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Posts: 105

Jo Lambert

Topic starter

Feb 02, 2023 6:24 am

(@jo-lambertessex-gov-uk)

Estimable Member

Joined: 8 years ago

THanks - I will keep you posted with the outcomes of our discussions with Health.

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Posts: 24

elsieb

Feb 09, 2023 4:27 pm

(@elsieb)

Eminent Member

Joined: 8 years ago

I currently have one pupil in this category. I supported with reasonable adjustments and one site visit but leave the rest to school and physio and medical colleagues

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Posts: 46

Rob Grayson

Feb 17, 2023 12:58 pm

(@robert-graysonhullcc-gov-uk)

Trusted Member

Joined: 8 years ago

Hi

I've not seen anyone diagnosed with Conversion Disorder but do have two cases of FND.

One is an intermittent wheelchair user so we've supported the school with evacuation advice and provided a manual wheelchair in case she loses feelings in legs whilst in school, as this had happened once and parent had to come into the school to bring her wheelchair.

The other case is far more serious and has led to the pupil being absent from school since mid way through Y5 until the present time, when he should be in Y8. Work involved collaborating with medical professionals, the local authority and social care to put together an EHCP that meets his needs so that he can be educated at home with support from the local medical PRU. He was unable to manage a return to school as the 'pressure' of attending school led to a relapse in physical capacity.

The EHCP includes a personal budget, initially from health but now from social care that pays for a PA to take him on social activities and for weekly swimming/hydrotherapy sessions. The rest of the week, organised by the medical PRU involves a bespoke educational package that covers English and maths (personal tutor + online learning platform) and personal interests in art and coding.

Developing the package was informed by the advice of medical professionals, including CAMHS who recommended following a trauma informed approach that put the young person 'in charge' of the intensity of the programme to support educational and medical / psychological progress and minimise any potential relapses

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