Abbygail's Journey with FND

Abbygail's Journey with FND You ask what is FND? Please follow Abby's story to find out An ambulance was called, and I was taken to the Emergency Department.

A Little About Me, I became unwell on November 5, 2011, while at school, when I suddenly lost consciousness. The initial tests didn’t reveal any answers, and I was cleared to go home. Unfortunately, I experienced several more episodes of unresponsiveness, including a particularly long episode lasting nine hours, which required more trips to the Emergency Room. Fast-forward about eight months to my first appointment with a neurologist, where I finally received a diagnosis: Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND). To make sense of FND, think of the brain as a computer, complete with hardware and software. Epilepsy can cause damage to the brain’s hardware, while FND acts like a virus affecting the software. Fortunately, like computer software that can be repaired over time, there is hope for improvement with the right support and a dedicated therapy team. Finding professionals who understood FND proved to be a significant challenge, as many hadn’t even heard of the condition. Over the years, we took it upon ourselves to conduct extensive research and advocate for my sister Abby’s needs, essentially becoming her own educators and voice. Throughout the years, Abby has experienced a variety of symptoms, including sudden falls, loss of movement in different body parts, and even changes in her vision and hearing. Identifying Abby’s triggers remains a challenge, as they often appear suddenly with little or no warning. Empowered Assistance Dogs have played a crucial role in Abby’s life, helping her recognise her triggers and providing support during episodes. On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, Abby met Greg, her assistance dog, and they began training together. By Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Abby and Greg officially became a team. Since then, they have developed a strong bond, with Greg consistently supporting Abby during her FND episodes and refusing to leave her side, even in hospital settings. He has an uncanny ability to sense when Abby is tired, becoming her shadow and staying close no matter the circumstances. Since Greg joined Abby, we have noticed some positive changes; she can feel his presence during episodes, often experiencing pre-trigger sensations. However, there are still times when events occur too quickly or without clear warning for Greg to react. Today, Abby feels more comfortable venturing into the community. Whereas we previously relied on home therapy visits, she now attends clinic sessions. Although she still experiences many FND episodes, having a strong support team remains essential for meeting all her needs.

Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday.
26/12/2025

Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday.

Abby is stepping up her sales for her 🐶 Dog bandanas to an online shop.
21/12/2025

Abby is stepping up her sales for her 🐶 Dog bandanas to an online shop.

Yesterday (13/12/25 Saturday), while organising the cars and packing for A C Crafts stall at Market at Tamborine Mounta...
14/12/2025

Yesterday (13/12/25 Saturday), while organising the cars and packing for A C Crafts stall at Market at Tamborine Mountain Country Markets, Greg happily hopped into the driver's seat of my car. He made himself comfortable and seemed to enjoy being there a bit too much to get out.

03/12/2025

Graduation 2023
Charters Towers

In recent months, Abby has been participating in group sessions with Advancing Forward Together. Throughout this experie...
02/12/2025

In recent months, Abby has been participating in group sessions with Advancing Forward Together. Throughout this experience, Abby has been acquiring new skills and enhancing existing ones, ranging from hat making and woodworking to pottery and a variety of cooking techniques. She has even had the opportunity to assist in preparing and cooking a delightful Christmas lunch.

Advancing Forward Together

How A C Crafts started
22/11/2025

How A C Crafts started

A brief overview of Abby and Greg and the beginnings of A C Crafts.

Abbygail has a condition known as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). The symptoms of FND vary, but the most common one for Abby is becoming unresponsive and experiencing severe weakness, often leading to fatigue. Abby's symptoms began when she was 12 years old.

In August 2022, Abby met Greg, her assistance dog, and started training with him to help manage her FND. They developed a close bond during their training sessions, and on October 5, Abby received the news that Greg would officially be her assistance dog.

Over time, they have become a strong team, with Greg alerting and helping to keep Abby safe while supporting her recovery.

Due to her FND, Abby is unable to work and spends a lot of time attending appointments and therapy sessions as well as managing episodes and recovery. In 2024, Abby started making bandanas for Greg to wear, and after receiving many positive comments about their appearance over the next seven months, she decided to establish A C Crafts. She began making and selling her bandanas at local markets. A year later, Abby continues to enjoy creating and sewing dog bandanas, attending local markets with Greg, and selling her products, all made with care.

What Causes Functional Neurological Disorder?https://youtu.be/XaYDDiqxHxY?si=DsvUExeeCpCoZhfWAlissa has several other go...
19/11/2025

What Causes Functional Neurological Disorder?
https://youtu.be/XaYDDiqxHxY?si=DsvUExeeCpCoZhfW

Alissa has several other good videos.

My book series, FND Recovery Guide (Vol. 1-2), is available on Amazon all over the world. Get the links, read a free excerpt, and sign up for my email list h...

Back in October, a small green frog made its gentle appearance, gracing us with its visit.Photo credit: Abbygail
18/11/2025

Back in October, a small green frog made its gentle appearance, gracing us with its visit.
Photo credit: Abbygail

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻
19/10/2025

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻

Around 80–85% of people with a disability have one that isn’t visible. These include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible — but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in making everyone feel seen and supported.

Image description: A green graphic with sunflower design promoting Invisible Disabilities Week, 19th–25th October. It features a Sunflower lanyard, a person icon with a sunflower, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo.

Bellizzi Studios Photos taken 23 July 2025Empower Assistance Dogs
06/09/2025

Bellizzi Studios
Photos taken 23 July 2025

Empower Assistance Dogs

Abby and Greg had some professional photos taken. During this session, we aimed to recreate some pictures from the time ...
06/09/2025

Abby and Greg had some professional photos taken. During this session, we aimed to recreate some pictures from the time when Abby first met Greg.

Photos taken 23 July 2025 and 13 September 2022
Empower Assistance Dogs

Snuggle up and show some love while catching those Z's.
20/08/2025

Snuggle up and show some love while catching those Z's.

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Yarrabilba, QLD
4209

Website

https://www.neurosymptoms.org/en_GB/, https://fndaustralia.com.au/, https://www.reactiveeduc

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