Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRDs) Resources

This animated video for kids gives real-life examples of the mind-body connection: how stress and big feelings can sometimes result in physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and pain, even when tests and lab results cannot identify a cause.

https://www.stopchildhoodpain.org

A nonprofit founded by a retired CHOP pediatrician to educate children, families and healthcare providers about Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) and related disorders. The site provides a list of dedicated treatment programs in the U.S., as well as videos that focus on diagnosis, treatment and patient stories.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1575422549?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_BVCB7E678MJZV8N6TKQ3

An empowering book for kids ages 8-10 that teaches them how to use their mind, body and spirit to control how their body feels, even when they’re in pain. By Timothy Culbert, MD.

https://www.zoffness.com/resources

A listing of books, articles, videos, podcasts and programs as well as providers, for young people experiencing chronic pain.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591473853?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_42YD9B3GQV08ENRPFEFT

 A book for children ages 2 and up that teaches how mindfulness, visualization and deep breathing can help manage chronic pain. By Brenda Miles.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199330042?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Y1SWAPMXZ265XE5WDHCN

This guide for parents of children and adolescents offers practical strategies and tools for management of chronic pain with the goal of kids fully participating in school, sports, social life and family life. By Tonya Palermo, PhD, and Emily Law, PhD.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/painbytes

This interactive online video course teaches kids about chronic pain and how to manage it. The seven episodes focus on subjects like the mind-body connection as well as how pain affects physical activity, home life and school life.

Workbook meant to complement in person psychotherapy for teens with chronic pain. By Rachel Zoffness, PhD.

https://www.thecomfortability.com/

This one-day, in-person workshop (offered at CHOP and elsewhere) is intended for adolescents ages 10-17 and their caregivers. The workshop teaches pain management strategies and coping skills that are rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/

This foundation educates kids and their families about pain and pain management. The content is organized by age group and type of pain, in multiple languages, and includes extensive video content.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKBKNS1?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0G8CBANJ6MR3Y35BGEXD

A guide for parents to help kids develop a multi-disciplinary approach to pain management, with the goal of bringing greater comfort and returning them to previous levels of function. By Rachel Coakley, PhD.

A UK-based, patient-led charity focused on education and peer support. FND Action has educational materials including an FND toolkit. Other peer support groups based in the UK include FND Dimensions.

https://fndaustralia.com.au/resources/patient-information.html

This Australia-based educational organization has printable Fact Sheets on its website that focus on education for families, the role of PT/OT in treating FND, and the role of psychology in understanding the mind-body connection.

https://fndhope.org/

This international patient- and caregiver-run organization has a website with educational information about symptoms and treatment. Other resources include search tools to find providers and peer support groups, as well as research updates, an events calendar and a webinar library.

This app from neurosymptoms.org helps with tracking symptoms of FND and supports communication with the user’s health care team.

https://www.neurokid.co.uk/

An educational site for children and caregivers who are living with non-epileptic events (PNEE, pseudoseizure and others). The explanatory content is extensive, as are the downloadable symptom management tools.

https://www.neurosymptoms.org/

A comprehensive source of information and education about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which offers written, video and podcast content for children, caregivers and health care providers, along with links to support groups. The site also has an app.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372751423_Reset_Rewire_The_FND_Workbook_for_Kids_Teens

This self-guided resource helps children 9-19 understand their FND symptoms and learn to repair the mind-body connection, using mind-body techniques developed by occupational, physical and mental health therapists. By Katie Carey and Meagan Watson.