#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday March 30, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! Today, we’ll be talking about childhood anxiety.
This is Dan with the Understood team. I'll be moderating the chat with . Who's with us today?
Hola Dan of Babushka's Bailando w/y'all today!
So great to have you! Thanks for joining.
Hi Dan, Ginny and everyone! I'm Virginia, Understood expert and instructor in the graduate special Ed department at Hunter College.
Hi Kim! Thanks for joining!
Hopping in for a few mins. before my next student arrives. Hi everyone! -sherri
As always, we’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
Whooops! From Ottawa here!
Hi Sherri! Thanks for joining.
Q1: What are some different kinds of anxiety that kids may struggle with?
Hi all! Greg here. Asst Supt from Chicagoland
Great to have you, Greg! Thanks for joining!
Hi all! Not sure this subject is my strength but here to hang out for awhile!
We love having you either way, Kerri!
Hi ! This is Mindy Popp. I am a college counselor in Boston.
Hi, Mindy! Thanks for joining!
Subject specific, like math anxiety. Task specific, like role play-writing on the board. Social; turn taking, chatting
A1. Test anxiety, for sure
Parent from Oklahoma. We had a high anxiety morning.
A1. Some of the little ones go through a stage of separation anxiety.
A1- yes, test anxiety. Also I think just being fearful of new things. That's the biggest struggle in our house.
a1. peers- how they are popular, or not.
https://t.co/iXW31L1rhA
Q1: What are some different kinds of anxiety that kids may struggle with?
A1: Yes, standardize test anxiety specifically for us.
What happened this morning?
. I agree. Test is a challenge for a number of our female .
A1: Perfectionism and need for others not to see faults
A1. Anxiety season coming up with high-stakes testing
A1 Social also comes to mind.
I have a student who is very afraid of storms. Causes student much anxiety on a day like today here in North Texas.
A1: Fear that kids will know her grades and learn she is "stupid."
A1: I think social anxiety is a big one for kids in school. Peer pressure and bullying is defined in a new way with social media.
Yes, specific fears, phobias.
Q2: In what ways might kids with learning and attention issues be more prone to anxiety?
A1. Kids with sensory issues - loud noises, fear of fire drills - the sound of that alarm!
yes...lots of public tracking in classroom, even if they are coded to avoid name sharing, kids know when they're last.
A1: Some kids develop anxiety and depression because of learning disabilities and their struggle with tests and grades.
They know they're not keeping up w/the rest of the class . Nobody wants to be "that" kid who slows everyone down.
Q2: start 2 feel different & that all eyes are on u of/when an adult (aide) is always w/u or when being pulled 4help outside the rm
A2: They know they are different all day every day. It heightens school, self and social fear. https://t.co/iEx8Id8uKs
Q2: In what ways might kids with learning and attention issues be more prone to anxiety?
EXACTAMUNDO!!! ESO!! https://t.co/bwiOBLAhhY
A2: They know they are different all day every day. It heightens school, self and social fear. https://t.co/iEx8Id8uKs
Q2: In what ways might kids with learning and attention issues be more prone to anxiety?
- A2: Absolutely! Fear of failing and being left behind drives anxiety in children. State assessment tests cause enormous pressure.
A2: They know that they are different. Self-Esteem issues. Lots of factors.
A2. Anxiety when a child is bullied, esp. because of learning and attention issues.
A2 feeling "less than" academically or socially encourages fear of failure and heightened stress around any related work or practice
just a temporary change in schedule. But he has good support at school.
Q3: What are some signs that a young child might be struggling with anxiety, both in and out of the classroom?
Ah - transistions. Great that you know he's in good hands.
A1-Learning, fitting in, being teased https://t.co/FYyinuqt17
Q1: What are some different kinds of anxiety that kids may struggle with?
Unexpected changes like transitioning to a new school/ change in placement will cause anxiety in children.
A3. Frequent stomachaches, calls from the nurse's office.
Test anxiety can cause a host of problems in students. Physical/Emotional/Behavioural/Cognitive Impacts! https://t.co/V1HpxQJd4t
A3: Tears, change in appetite, failure to sleep, loss of joy on favorite things. Her world crashed down https://t.co/JEuGIFzh6t
Q3: What are some signs that a young child might be struggling with anxiety, both in and out of the classroom?
Hey everyone! Sorry I'm late..A2: Kids know when they do not know something which creates anxiety within themselves
not wanting to attend classes is a sure sign something's up.
A1 change of any kind!! But especially to schedule and people
A3 regression in behavior, self care skills, physical complaints (stomach aches), not wanting to go to school, not completing work
A3: Issues with sleeping, nervousness, exhibiting patterns of different behaviors, reluctant to go to school or other places.
You ain't just whislin' La Guantanamera my friend! https://t.co/lG8SMWDd0x
- A2: Absolutely! Fear of failing and being left behind drives anxiety in children. State assessment tests cause enormous pressure.
A3-Not wanting to go to school https://t.co/JqJC6W2zwA
Q3: What are some signs that a young child might be struggling with anxiety, both in and out of the classroom?
A3- continually asking same ? for reassurance, swaying, fidgeting, inattentive, excessively asking to leave room
A3 behavior is always communication. Hard to understand at time but still communication.
Q3: Avoidance of previously liked activities or avoiding other people
A3: Keep THIS in mind! Children and teens CAN have MORE than one type of anxiety disorder at the same time.
A3: Yes! Stomach aches all the time. She also complains she "can't breathe." https://t.co/Llxn8NEhAD
A3 regression in behavior, self care skills, physical complaints (stomach aches), not wanting to go to school, not completing work
A3- decline and flatline in academic growth/progress monitoring
Yes to this whole list. Thanks standardized testing for sending my kid into a downward spiral. https://t.co/gxQhXFYJZO
Sleep loss is common among ppl with anxiety. Poorer sleep quality impairs your ability to regulate/reduce negative emotions.
A3. Esp for older kids, compulsive behaviors can come up
Her teacher can't see it. In class, she pushes through. Clara pushes it down then, at home, she comes apart. https://t.co/GvcHZAcNSX
Social Anxiety is not fun for any student. It impacts more than you think physical, cognitive/behavioural. https://t.co/n7h8K01Lgm
Wow and woah. just looking at that gives BB anxiety! This is a very real fear for many.
A3) They may show signs of anxiety by not wanting to participate in whole group instruction....
Q4: What are some signs that a tween or teen might be struggling with anxiety?
my 1 Ss who I am working w right now w extreme anxiety cries a lot. We have been practicing calming strategies &...
This is so important to share. Thanks! Essential part of anxiety is that much is unseen.
Just got here. Sorry I am late.
It gives you a good clear picture though of how much it can really impact a person.
my child needs calming strategies for anger I think
A4: constant worry about oneself, others. Expressing concern over trying new things.
Wow. "The results were stunning: 54% of Ss showed moderate to severe symptoms of depression." https://t.co/dBYYCwKsAx
A4 reluctance to engage with friends, withdrawing from activities, change in eating/sleeping, substance use-abuse, self-harm
building that trust-filled relationship
I use those calming strategies w my Students who feel frustration & anger as well
A4: my tween becomes overly sensitive to things and in turn elevates anxiety, brings on self doubt
A4: Lord. If this is where we are at age 8, I cannot even imagine age 13. https://t.co/MEEXUIFRBM
A4 reluctance to engage with friends, withdrawing from activities, change in eating/sleeping, substance use-abuse, self-harm
This one is good for my college daughter too ! Gracias.
I feel so many times w my daughter anxiety shows when she withdraws from friends or activities
A4. Eating habits can change.
you have lots of time to beef up your strategies and your already doing so much to support! 👏
A3 our big sign was an expression of fear even though he new he was safe. Didn't know or understand the word "anxiety"
mindfulness & modeling effective calming strategies is more important for children than we realize
Q5: What are some ways that parents can help their kids cope with anxiety issues?
A5 as a teacher, I found beginning to intro strategies with..."here are some things other kids have tried..." diffused the isolation
I think exercise/yoga/breathing activities r very effective at ANY age & teaching children its ok to take a break
A5: as a parent I encourage my tween to talk about his fears, worries & figure out together if warranted
Q5. Keep talking, keep listening.
A5: Environment is key so monitor. Observe school. Limit large social events. Keep your own data. Listen to them.
A5 as a parent of a super anxious kiddo I straddle comforting and stretching the comfort zone. We practice things/role play before.
A5: we also reminder my son to do his breathing exercises and identify situations when that will be useful.
A4: This TEDtalk was amazing about Teenage Brain. Kids in fear are stuck in fight-or-flight. https://t.co/juWdWLoZ9h
A5 talking helps. At school my son has a go to person that knows him well and how to distract him, calm him then talk.
A5 we watch you tube videos too. Before soccer began- we watched to learn what it was like. Way better than me explaining.
A5: we also get the help he needs by working w/ our child psych on whether treatment is needed, dosing goes up or down, etc
Maybe if schools/districts would and help these kids, they wouldn't feel like this. https://t.co/Jq0aKnEcgq
Exactly! We are seeing increased depression, self harm & suicidal thoughts in jr high across the state https://t.co/JnThiGRM1V
A5 Physical exercise can help anxiety
See if there is a pattern for anxiety. Create checklist/visual cues to deescalate anxieties. Seek prof. help w/social groups.
A5 See if there is a pattern for anxiety. Create checklist/visual cues to deescalate anxieties. Seek prof. help w/social groups.
BB's Cuban,calm is not in our vocabulary. Wish this had been around w/The Trio, they might be calmer adults. https://t.co/chdVWARIBT
mindfulness & modeling effective calming strategies is more important for children than we realize
it is critically important for children to build a trust filled relationship w teachers at school
A5: We also got a Worry Eater. Meet Eliza. She eats the worries of an 8 year old girl w/ dyslexia. https://t.co/DSQpZh97YR
Last question coming up...
Q6: What kind of emotional support is available to help a child who is struggling with anxiety at school?
A5: We have "worry time" for 15 minutes a day. She writes her worries, we talk about them and Eliza eats them.
A6 meet often with your child's teacher. Looking for patterns is important for matching strategies. Schools have support to lend.
A6. School social workers can do individual counseling. Or group.
A6: School counselor. "Safe" teacher. IEP accommodations. Care though of an emotional support "placement".
A5: This trailer for the book "Why Smart Kids Worry" (I just ordered it) brought me to tears. https://t.co/6tFJgkQvPS
A6 some school counsellors offer group support, too
A6: great Q. Unfortunately we are dealing w/ this now & sadly not much support at his LD school exists.
A6. Even the school nurse can be a very important contact. Especially with those "stomachaches."
scrolling around a bit and working on a resume update haha. ☺️
A6: I hate bringing it up at school. She already has so many IEPs/ accommodations - it feels like one more thing.
♥♥♥ https://t.co/y0aZwsa2nE
A5: We have "worry time" for 15 minutes a day. She writes her worries, we talk about them and Eliza eats them.
A6: Also, I have that anxiety of being "that parent" who makes it up. "She seems fine" at school but she is in crisis.
A6. A discussion with admin about teacher best suited for kid w/ anxiety for the upcoming school year
. Many schools don't have a nurse on site.
A6 transition items to help get through the day. Lunchbox notes, worry stone in pocket, draw a heart on thumb...
I am so with you here if the supports are not feeling supportive especially.
Absolutely. An IEP must meet the child's individual needs. But parents need to use care re: placement here.
Any final thoughts before we wrap up today?
Great chat, thanks all. Such a worthwhile topic.
