Fewer words, clearer asks

Talking without a full monologue

People often need fewer words and a clearer ask. Here's the cheat sheet — not a speech contest.

Believe me first
Clear ask
Notes on your phone

To a parent / carer

“My body's doing the FND thing and I need help with [rest / school email / getting to the GP]. I'm not fine just because I looked okay earlier.”

If they go into fix-it mode too hard: “I need you to believe me first. Then we can plan.”

If they're scared and it comes out as anger: that can still hurt. You can say “I know you're worried. Anger isn't helping me right now.”

To a teacher / tutor

“I have FND — a neurological condition that can affect movement / seizures / energy. I might need [quiet space / to leave / a rest break]. SENCO has / should have the plan.”

If they say you looked fine five minutes ago: “It fluctuates. That's part of it.”

If they want the full medical essay in the corridor: “I can talk properly with SENCO — right now I need [X].”

To a GP / clinic

Brain fog in appointments is a known boss fight. Notes on your phone help. Cover:

What's new vs your usual pattern
How it affects school / sleep / safety
What you've already tried
What you want today (referral, school letter, meds review, just to be heard)

You can say: “I forget things under pressure — can I read from my notes?” That's professional, not rude.

When they minimise you

You can be calm and still firm. Try:

“I need this taken seriously even if I look okay right now.”
“I'm not asking you to panic. I'm asking you to believe me.”
“Can we put a written plan in place so I'm not re-explaining every time?”

Not every adult is the right adult. Keep going until you find one who listens — second opinion, different teacher, different clinician, advocacy through school support.

Texts that work when talking feels impossible

“Can't talk properly right now. Body is bad. I need [quiet / pick-up / help emailing school]. I'll explain more later.”

Voice notes count. Emails count. You don't have to perform articulate wellness to deserve help.

Keep going if you've still got energy.

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