Founder-Led · CASLPO-Licensed SLP · Virtual Across Ontario · Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Experience
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?
You may be experiencing one or more of the following:
Stuttering
Sudden appearance in adulthood, with a different presentation from developmental stuttering
Voice Changes
Hoarseness, strain, loss of voice, or pitch changes with no vocal fold damage
Cognitive Communication Changes
Difficulties with word-finding, memory, attention, or "brain fog"
Swallowing Difficulties
Including changes in taste, a lump-in-throat sensation
Speech differences
Slurred speech or articulation changes that are inconsistent, without a clear physical cause
Coughing
Chronic or persistent cough without an underlying respiratory cause
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 reach out.
Start whenever you're ready.
Insurance Coverage
Most major insurance plans include coverage for speech-language pathology.
How can Speech Therapy help fnd
No two presentations of FND look exactly alike, but therapy generally works toward:
✓⃝ More predictable, consistent speech, voice, or swallowing patterns
✓⃝ A clearer understanding of the "why" behind your symptoms
✓⃝ Practical strategies you can rely on day to day
✓⃝ Coordinated care alongside neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychology,
when needed
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.
who you’ll work with
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.