Pediatric Neuropsychology
Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorder
Evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents experiencing functional neurological symptoms — conducted with precision, clinical depth, and close collaboration with families.
What is FND? ↓Understanding the Diagnosis
Functional Neurological Disorder — What It Is and What It Is Not
Functional Neurological Disorder is a condition in which the brain does not send or receive signals correctly — producing real neurological symptoms in the absence of structural damage or disease. Brain imaging and EEGs are typically normal. The symptoms are not imagined or fabricated. They are produced by a nervous system functioning in a disrupted pattern.
FND is one of the most common reasons children are referred to pediatric neurology — and one of the most frequently misunderstood. Families often arrive after months of inconclusive testing and multiple specialists. Many children with FND experience significant functional improvement with appropriate intervention. Early, accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment is among the most significant factors associated with positive outcomes.
Common Presentations in Children
Symptoms vary widely. This is not an exhaustive list.
- ▸ Motor weakness or paralysis of a limb
- ▸ Non-epileptic seizures or episodes (PNES)
- ▸ Tremors or abnormal movements
- ▸ Gait disturbance or difficulty walking
- ▸ Sensory changes — numbness, tingling, visual disturbance
- ▸ Functional tic-like movements
- ▸ Speech difficulties — slurring, loss of voice
- ▸ Fatigue and cognitive symptoms
FND can present with one or many of these symptoms. Multiple symptoms affecting different body systems is common and does not change the diagnosis or treatability.
For Families
If You Have Been Looking for Answers for a Long Time, You Are Not Alone
Most families who arrive at an FND evaluation have already seen multiple physicians and received a great deal of uncertainty. The psychological evaluation is not a suggestion that the symptoms are psychological in origin — it is a necessary component of a complete clinical picture and the gateway to effective treatment.
The Evaluation
What a Comprehensive FND Evaluation Involves
The evaluation is structured, efficient, and calibrated to what each child actually needs — not a standardized battery applied regardless of history. It produces a clear clinical picture and specific recommendations so the family can move forward.
✦ Most children referred for FND evaluation have already undergone extensive medical workup, neurological testing, and prior assessments. Dr. Sharpe-Taylor's evaluation is intentionally streamlined and tailored to each child's specific presentation and needs — gathering what is clinically necessary to move forward, without repeating what has already been done. The goal is not more evaluation. The goal is a clear path forward for the family.
Clinical Interview
Comprehensive interview with the child and family covering symptom history, onset, course, school and social functioning, medical history, and family context. Both the child's and family's experience are taken seriously.
Psychological Assessment
Standardized psychological testing to assess cognitive functioning, emotional and behavioral presentation, and factors that may be contributing to symptom onset or maintenance — including anxiety, depression, and stress response patterns.
Neuropsychological Review
Review of available neurological workup, imaging, EEG findings, and prior evaluations to ensure the psychological assessment integrates fully with the child's medical picture.
Evaluation Report & Recommendations
A comprehensive written report documenting findings, diagnosis, contributing factors, and specific treatment recommendations — written to be useful to the family, the treating neurologist, school personnel, and any other involved providers.
When the clinical picture requires it, a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment is available. A comprehensive assessment consists of:
- ▸ Intellectual and cognitive functioning
- ▸ Academic achievement and learning
- ▸ Memory and learning across modalities
- ▸ Attention, processing speed, and executive functioning
- ▸ Language and visuospatial abilities
- ▸ Emotional and behavioral functioning
- ▸ Adaptive functioning and daily living skills
- ▸ Review of prior records, medical history, and collateral information
The scope of assessment is determined by the child's presentation and history — not by a standard protocol. Where prior testing is available and recent, components are not duplicated.
Treatment
FND Is Treatable — Especially in Children
Children with FND tend to have better treatment outcomes than adults. Research consistently shows that early, accurate diagnosis followed by structured, multidisciplinary treatment is associated with meaningful improvement — and many children experience significant functional recovery.
Psychological Treatment
Evidence-based cognitive behavioral approaches target the patterns of thought, sensation, and nervous system response that generate and maintain functional symptoms.
Family Involvement
Active family engagement — including reduced accommodation of symptoms — is consistently associated with improved outcomes and is a core component of treatment.
Multidisciplinary Coordination
Effective FND treatment typically involves the psychologist, pediatric neurologist, and where indicated, physical or occupational therapists working in coordination.
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on evaluation findings. Not every child requires the same intervention. The evaluation determines the appropriate treatment path. Individual outcomes vary.
What to Expect
Working With LST Psychological Services
Families who come to LST have already spent considerable time in waiting rooms and testing suites. The process here is designed to be as efficient as the clinical picture allows — with the focus always on what comes next, not on extending the evaluation.
Initial Call
A brief phone call to discuss your child's situation and determine whether an evaluation is appropriate.
Scheduling
Families receive intake materials covering symptom history and prior medical records before the first appointment.
The Evaluation
The evaluation takes place across one or more appointments — both the child and key family members participate.
Report & Next Steps
A written report with findings and specific recommendations is reviewed directly with the family.
Initial Call
A brief phone call to discuss your child's situation and determine whether an evaluation is appropriate.
Scheduling
Families receive intake materials covering symptom history and prior medical records before the first appointment.
The Evaluation
The evaluation takes place across one or more appointments — both the child and key family members participate.
Report & Next Steps
A written report with findings and specific recommendations is reviewed directly with the family.
The First Step Is a Conversation
If your child has received an FND diagnosis, is awaiting evaluation, or you are uncertain whether FND describes what you are seeing, a phone call is the right starting point. No referral is required. The evaluation is the beginning of forward movement — not another step in an endless process.
📍 301 South Bemiston, Suite 800, Clayton, Missouri 63105
✉ lst@lstpsychologicalservices.com
LST Psychological Services accepts pediatric referrals from families, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, and school-based professionals.