Functional Neurological Speech & Swallowing Disorders

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can affect communication, voice and swallowing in many different ways. These symptoms are real, can vary from day to day, and often improve with the right assessment, education and therapy.

Together, we'll work to understand your symptoms, identify the factors that may be keeping them going, and use evidence-based strategies to help your brain regain more automatic, confident communication and swallowing.

• Slurred or unclear speech
• Stuttering
• Difficulty finding words
• Speech that feels slow, effortful or "stuck"
• Difficulty getting words out
• Changes in pronunciation or speech clarity

• Hoarse, strained or weak voice
• Whispering or loss of voice
• Voice fatigue
• Voice that changes throughout the day

• Feeling that food gets stuck
• Difficulty initiating a swallow
• Fear of choking
• Excessive chewing or effortful swallowing
• A lump or tightness in the throat (globus sensation)

• "Brain fog"
• Difficulty concentrating
• Losing your train of thought
• Slower thinking or processing
• Difficulty organising thoughts during conversation

• Chronic cough or throat clearing
• Breathing pattern disorders
• Episodes of throat tightness
• Voice or breathing changes during stress or exertion

Recovery is possible. Treatment is personalised and focuses on building understanding, reducing the impact of symptoms, and helping you return to communicating, eating and living with greater confidence and ease.