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.
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Welcome to today's #ldchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by psychotherapist and Understood expert @StephanieSarkis, chatting about #anxiety in kids with learning and attention issues.
Hello! My name is Kelly Brown, I’m studying Digital Communication in Education with @ghartman. This is my first time participating in a Twitter chat! #LDchat
Edie, Academic therapist from Washington, DC. More than 50% of my older kids with ADHD suffer from anxiety. There's hope that strategies are being developed to improve success at school and work. #LDchat
A1. In kids, anxiety looks like insomnia, nail biting/picking, hair pulling, difficulties focusing, irritability, isolating themselves, school refusal. Some anxiety signs aren’t as noticeable - it’s important that we check in w/ kids to see how they are feeling. #ldchat
First, letting your kid know that you want to listen w/o judgment. Using a "feeling chart" for younger kids is helpful, they can point to what feeling they are having. Also letting them know lots of other kids can feel this way too. #ldchat
Absolutely, @KellyBrown374. Difficulty getting to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night, getting up too early in the morning and can't get back to sleep. Also falling asleep in class. #ldchat
A1: I totally agree. I think it's important to be aware of all of your students behaviors so you know immediately if something is wrong. #LDchat#LUlearns
Yes, open communication with parents is essential, including asking parents if there are any stressors going on in the child's life (death in the family, new baby, etc.) #ldchat
I also think that having a safe space in the school or a person they feel connected with helps. Sometimes all kids need is something to listen. #LDchat#LUlearns
Middle- and high-schoolers with learning and attention issues may experience more stress than their peers. They may also be more likely to develop #anxiety. #ldchathttps://t.co/tywDXYCAZp
This is so important, @KellyBrown374. Some schools I have worked with have a "low sensory" room for kids who are having panic attacks, migraines, and other medical issues. #ldchat
A2. (1/3) Everyone has anxiety, it is a normal reaction to stress. However, when the anxiety doesn’t go away, is out of proportion to the stressor, or if it comes on with no known reason, then it may qualify for an anxiety diagnosis. #ldchat
A2. (2/3) There is a genetic component to anxiety. If a parent, aunt, or cousin has an anxiety issue or diagnosis, there is a greater chance of a kid having issues with anxiety. #ldchat
A2. (3/3) If you feel like your kid is just not themselves, it’s worth checking https://t.co/zGFa7lJ2KH there a stressor at home or school?Teacher personality conflict? Excessive teasing from siblings?Bullying at school? #ldchat
Yes, studies have found there is even a genetic component to PTSD. At least 1 genetic marker make some people more prone to developing PTSD after a trauma than others. This marker is more common in people w/ #ADHD. #ldchat
A3. (1/3) When you have #LD/ #ADHD, you have to work 5x as hard, but only get ½ the amount of work done. Instead of playing after school, you are still working on homework – very isolating. Also, kids may be isolated or bullied at school. #ldchat
A3. (2/3) And what worse feeling is there for a kid with ADHD/LD than to be called on in class to read or do a math problem? You may also be called out in class for not paying attention. And then you get a frowny face on the board. #ldchat
A2: It is always worth checking in on a student who is just not acting like they usually do. If a student isn't willing to discuss I always tell them that I am here to listen when they're willing to share. #LUlearns#LDchat
A2. (3/3) If you feel like your kid is just not themselves, it’s worth checking https://t.co/zGFa7lJ2KH there a stressor at home or school?Teacher personality conflict? Excessive teasing from siblings?Bullying at school? #ldchat
A3. (3/3) You are trying to make your parents and teachers happy, and you don’t understand what you are doing wrong. On top of that, you have a hard time learning from consequences. Socially, you feel one step outside of everything. #ldchat
A3: some students have no idea what they're doing wrong, or why they're a question behind. Some students become anxious because they haven't been paying attention, and when they have to answer a question they have no idea what was just asked #LUlearns#LDchat
A4. (1/3) School accommodations are essential. Incl. NEVER having recess taken away, for ANY reason. Accommodations are equalizers, not special benefits. Other examples: not graded on handwriting, not penalized for movement in classroom, being seated in front of room. #ldchat
A4. (2/3) Practice good self-care; get help for your anxiety, ADHD, & frustration. Have open communication with your kid. Practice positive reinforcement – catch your child being good. See a mental health professional if your child’s quality of life is being impacted. #ldchat
A4. (3/3) Don’t punish for anxiety, LD or #ADHD-related behavior. It makes it worse. First seek to understand. Change the child’s environment. Get accommodations at school. Maybe a teacher change is needed. Teach your child deep breathing, as it can help instantly. #ldchat
A4: I totally agree. Too often I see teachers lay on more punishments, which in turn causes more anxiety behaviors. If I see a student becoming anxious something as simple as taking a walking break, or getting a drink can help. #LDchat#LUlearns
A4. (3/3) Don’t punish for anxiety, LD or #ADHD-related behavior. It makes it worse. First seek to understand. Change the child’s environment. Get accommodations at school. Maybe a teacher change is needed. Teach your child deep breathing, as it can help instantly. #ldchat
An #anxiety log can help you spot patterns in your student's behavior. Then you may find it easier to choose calming strategies that work. #ldchathttps://t.co/ETukpsoQaM
Yes, I also have kids name three things they can see, three things they can feel, and three things they can hear, to help them stay in the present moment. #ldchat
An #anxiety log can help you spot patterns in your student's behavior. Then you may find it easier to choose calming strategies that work. #ldchathttps://t.co/ETukpsoQaM
A4: For my students, I always tell them that I am here for them and willing to talk to them about anything. Also if they need time outside to calm down, I let them do so. That way, they can collect their thoughts and breathe easier. #LUlearns#ldchat
