NPC Registration No: 2024/319828/08
Our Founder
Audrey Bart is the founder and support group leader of FND – What Now? NPC, a registered South African patient-led non-profit supporting individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). She holds a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and has over twelve years of experience in clinical and research laboratories, as well as in scientific sales and business development. Her curiosity, adaptability, and diverse skill set guide her leadership of the organisation.
Alongside her laboratory work, Audrey trained students and staff as part of orientation and, in 2013–2014, completed NQF Level 4 training in Facilitation, Assessment, and Moderation Skills at the Academy of People Development. Driven by her passion for imparting knowledge, she built on this training as a foundation for future roles in coaching, mentoring, and community advocacy.
Audrey lives with FND, diagnosed in 2016 after a sudden paralysis from the neck down. In 2022, after sharing her personal FND story in the South African Depression and Anxiety Group's (SADAG) Mental Health Matters Journal, she completed SADAG’s free Support Group Leader Training Programme. The FND - What Now? Support Group was launched in November 2022.
In 2023, Audrey was also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and came to recognise traits of ADHD in herself. These experiences have deepened her understanding of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and its connection with FND, which is increasingly reflected in FND research. Embracing her strengths and special interests, Audrey brings a dynamic, creative perspective to leadership while also highlighting the potential value of screening for ASD alongside FND to help narrow diagnostic and treatment gaps.
Under her leadership, FND – What Now? NPC continues to grow — building a strong, connected community, raising awareness, empowering individuals with FND to move forward with confidence, and expanding its reach nationwide.
As a leader and advocate,
Audrey lives by this philosophy:
Every day is a chance to learn. When we listen to people from all walks of life, we gain the insight needed to make informed, compassionate decisions.
By the people, with the people, and for the people—this is how we move forward.
Publications
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Norton, Michael, J., Sullins, Carolyn. (forthcoming). The Power of Lived Experiences in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Functional Neurological Disorder: International Narratives and Insights.
My contribution to this forthcoming book publication is titled: The Power of Lived Experiences in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), with specific reflection of FND in a South African landscape.
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Dr Neil Alexander-Passe. (2025/2026). Interviews: Entrepreneurs with Autism, Profile: Audrey. The Mind and Motivation of Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs: Dio Press Inc. Publisher. Pages: 157-161.
My contribution to this book is reflected in the section of Interviews: Entrepreneurs with Autism, Profile: Audrey. Furthermore, my story highlights the overlap between autism and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and the unique challenges they hold.
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Rawlings, Gregg, H., Reuber, Markus, Stone, Jon, McCormick, Maxanne. (2024). FND and Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. FND Stories: Personal and Professional Experiences of Functional Neurological Disorder: Jessica Kingsley Publisher (United Kingdom). Pages: 58-62.
My contribution to this publication highlights the effects of CPTSD on FND symptoms, with the title: FND and Chronic Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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Bart, A. (2022). Functional Neurological Disorder. SADAG Mental Health Matters Journal, Issue 3(2), 42–44. https://ihpublishing.com/documents/mhm-volume-9-issue-3/2/
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Neurosymptoms.org website. (2022). Functional Limb Weakness and Pain: Audrey’s Story. https://neurosymptoms.org/en/stories/functional-limb-weakness-pain/audreys-story/
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International League Against Epilepsy. (Spring 2019). The long reach of trauma: Psychogenic seizures in middle age. Epigraph Vol. 21 Issue 2. https://www.ilae.org/journals/epigraph/epigraph-vol-21-issue-2-spring-2019/the-long-reach-of-trauma-psychogenic-seizures-in-middle-age