Registered Speech Language Pathologist · Virtual Across Ontario · No referral needed
functional neurological disorder
Your Symptoms Are Real, Even If Your Test Results Are Normal
If you've been told your scans look normal, but your voice won't come, you’re experiencing an unexplained stutter, or swallowing has suddenly become difficult, you're not imagining it, and you're not alone.
what are symptoms of fnd for voice and speech?
FND can show up in communication and swallowing in different ways. You might notice:
Sudden stuttering
A stutter that appeared out of nowhere, as an adult
Voice Changes
Your voice sounds strained or hoarse, fades to a whisper, cuts out, or disappears altogether
Brain Fog
Word-finding, memory, and focus feel foggy and unreliable
Swallowing Difficulties
Swallowing feels hard, or there's a lump-in-the-throat feeling.
Slurred or unclear speech
Words come out slurred or different, with no clear physical cause
Good Days and, Bad Days
Symptoms come and go, and can shift from one hour to the next.
Family members and caregivers are welcome throughout this process. Living with FND can be isolating when others don't understand what's happening, and having support close to you matters.
what is fnd
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) happens when the nervous system has trouble sending and receiving signals correctly. Your brain, nerves, and vocal folds aren't damaged, but they're not communicating the way they should. That's why tests so often come back normal, even though what you're experiencing is completely genuine.
Speech-language pathologists don't diagnose FND, but treatment can begin based on your symptoms, often alongside the diagnostic process rather than after it.
If any of this sounds familiar, reach out.
getting start is simple
No referral needed
You don't need a referral or a diagnosis to receive speech therapy.
Start whenever you're ready.
Direct Billing Available
Cognicare direct bills most major insurers, including Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, and Beneva, so claims go straight to your insurer.
How can Speech Therapy help fnd
No two presentations of FND look exactly alike, but therapy generally works toward:
✓⃝ Speech: More automatic, consistent speech
✓⃝ Voice: A steadier, more reliable voice
✓⃝ Fluency: Easing a stutter that started suddenly
✓⃝ Swallowing: Eating and drinking with less effort and worry
✓⃝ Understanding your symptoms: A clear explanation of what's happening and why
Much of this work uses symptom-specific retraining and graded pacing, so progress feels steady rather than unpredictable.
what happens next
Free consultation
15 minutes. No obligation.
Assessment
A clear picture of your strengths, challenges, and goals
Treatment plan
Built around your symptoms and how they actually affect your day-to-day life
Functional application
Skills carry over into daily life through home practice and community integration, in the conversations and settings that matter most to you
Progress and taper
Sessions ease off as you meet your goals and work towards independence. You leave with a toolkit that's yours to keep and an open door to return to if needed.
why virtual speech therapy?
Online speech therapy offers the convenience of receiving personalized treatment straight into your home. It offers increased flexibility in your schedule, removes the commute time, and accommodates your abilities and energy.
With Cognicare:
No downloads or subscriptions required
One click access. You receive a personalized link to your session in your inbox
Sessions are safe, secure, and private
Mariya is a registered speech-language pathologist based in Toronto. She is a member of the Canadian Concussion Network. Her approach treats communication within the context of recovery, cognition, and fatigue.
who you’ll work with
You don't have to have it all figured out before you reach out
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime!
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No. While speech-language pathologists don't diagnose FND, therapy can begin based on your symptoms, often while the diagnostic process is still going on.
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No. FND is a recognized neurological condition, and the symptoms are genuine. Therapy works with them directly, the same way it would with any other speech, voice, or swallowing problem.
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Yes, virtual speech therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
Multiple research studies indicate that the results of online sessions match those of in-person sessions. What’s more, many clients even find added benefits: practicing in a familiar home environment often boosts comfort and confidence, making it easier for skills to carry over into everyday life. Virtual sessions also offer terrific flexibility, fitting around school, work, and family schedules. This flexibility creates consistency, which is a key driver of real progress.
Virtual speech therapy isn't a compromise — it's a proven, high-quality path to meaningful, lasting communication gains!