Explore the assessment and rehabilitation of Paediatric Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in this evidence-informed CPD course designed for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals. Develop a practical understanding of FND in children and adolescents, including functional weakness, gait disturbances, tremor, dystonia, involuntary movements and functional seizures.

Learn to recognise positive clinical signs of FND, conduct focused neurological assessments, identify red flags and coexisting conditions, and apply clinical reasoning to differential diagnosis. The course emphasises the importance of a positive, evidence-informed diagnostic approach rather than diagnosing FND solely because investigations are normal.

Discover practical strategies for paediatric FND physiotherapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation, including automatic movement retraining, functional task practice, respectful communication, family education, functional-seizure safety and school reintegration. A complex clinical case study demonstrates how to integrate assessment findings into an individualised rehabilitation plan, with consideration of patient safety, functional goals, escalation and relapse prevention.

Enhance your clinical knowledge and confidence in managing paediatric neurological presentations while supporting children's mobility, independence, participation and return to meaningful everyday activities.

Ideal for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals seeking CPD in paediatric neurology, functional movement disorders and evidence-informed rehabilitation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to help participants:

1. Understand paediatric FND as a disorder of nervous-system functioning and describe its symptom spectrum using clear and respectful language.
2. Translate assessment findings into a clear explanation and an evidence-informed rehabilitation plan centred on automatic movement and meaningful function.
3. Coordinate participation-focused rehabilitation with the child, family, school and multidisciplinary team, including outcome review and relapse planning.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain paediatric FND using clear, non-stigmatising language.
2. Recognise common presentations and positive clinical signs.
3. Apply evidence-informed physiotherapy and functional-seizure principles.
4. Develop participation-focused rehabilitation goals with the child, family, school and MDT.

Duration: 1 Hour

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is suitable for:

• Physiotherapists working in paediatrics, neurology, rehabilitation, community care or outpatient services.
• Occupational therapists and speech and language therapists involved in multidisciplinary FND care.
• Rehabilitation professionals supporting children with functional motor symptoms or functional seizures.
• Physiotherapy assistants and therapy students working under appropriate supervision.
• Healthcare professionals involved in mobility, school participation, functional-seizure safety or family-centred rehabilitation.
• Clinicians seeking a structured and evidence-informed introduction to paediatric FND.

Meet your presenter

Gehan Baalawi, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Dip. Health & Social Care

Gehan Baalawi is a conscientious and forward-looking physiotherapist known for her evidence-based approach and emerging expertise in geriatric care. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of the West of England (UWE),Bristol, and a Diploma in Health & Social Care from SGS College—credentials that underscore her dedication to delivering holistic, person-centred care.

Her recent academic research explored the effects of deep slow breathing (DSB) versus spontaneous breathing on pressure pain thresholds in asymptomatic adults, measured using algometry on the tibialis anterior muscle. This work reflects her keen interest in non-invasive interventions that promote physiological resilience and pain modulation.

Clinically and academically, Gehan is invested in the use of validated screening tools, comprehensive assessment strategies, and integrated, multi-component interventions to support positive patient outcomes. She is deeply committed to empowering healthcare professionals by translating current research into practical, impactful physiotherapy education.

Complementing her clinical expertise, Gehan has completed additional training in Mental Health Care Fundamentals, Leadership Skills, and Well-Being and Self-Care—reinforcing her commitment to safe, inclusive, and compassionate practice. She is a registered member of both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) in England.

Disclaimer: Our online physiotherapy CPD courses meet the criteria and guidelines for CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD hours indicated on the certificate contribute towards fulfilling professional standards and requirements necessary for CPD audits conducted by the HCPC and AHPRA. These CPD hours are important for maintaining physiotherapy registration and ensuring compliance with the CPD audit and physiotherapy registration renewal processes. Our courses are recognized as valuable continuing education resources across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Asia and the Middle East.