At Saible Neuropsychology, we recognize that childhood is a time of exploration, growth, and learning. However, for some children, excessive fears and worries can become overwhelming, impacting their daily life and overall well-being.  When a child does not outgrow the fears and worries that are typical in young children, or when there are so many fears and worries that interfere with school, home or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Our compassionate and experienced child therapists, pediatric neuropsychologists, and school psychologists are here to provide support to help your child overcome these challenges.

Types of Childhood Anxiety Disorders 

Anxiety disorders can manifest in various forms, each with its own unique symptoms. Examples of common childhood anxiety disorders include:

• Being very afraid when away from parents (separation anxiety)
• Having extreme fear or avoidance of specific things or situations, such as dogs, insects, or going to the doctor (phobias)
• Being very afraid or distressed in social settings like school and other public areas where there are a lot of people leads to avoidance of people or situations (social anxiety)
• Excessive worry about the future, potential danger, and various aspects of life (general anxiety)
• Having repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear that come with symptoms like heart pounding, having trouble breathing, or feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty (panic disorder)

Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety in children can manifest in a variety of ways, including emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. Anxiety symptoms in children may also present as

• irritability and moodiness
• express fears that seem irrational or excessive
• struggle with sleep or sleep disturbances
• experience physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
• avoid certain activities, places, or people

Some anxious children keep their worries to themselves, and thus, the symptoms can be missed.

Effective Treatment Approaches

At Saible Neuropsychology, we understand that each child is unique, and their treatment should be tailored to their individual needs. Our therapeutic interventions aim to provide practical strategies for managing anxiety and promoting healthy emotional development.

Behavioral therapy includes child therapy, family therapy, or a combination of both. The school can also be included in the treatment plan. For young children, we recognize the importance of involving parents to create a supportive and effective treatment environment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of therapy that is used to treat anxiety, particularly in older children. CBT focuses on helping children identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more positive and constructive ways of thinking. Cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety may involve helping children cope with and manage anxiety symptoms while gradually exposing them to their fears so as to help them learn that bad things do not occur. This cognitive shift often leads to healthier behaviors and enhanced emotional well-being.

Exposure therapy is commonly used to address phobias and other anxiety-related concerns. In exposure therapy, children are gradually exposed to their fears in controlled and supportive environments. We help children learn that their anxieties are manageable and that their worst fears are unlikely to occur.

Reach Out for Help

If you suspect your child is struggling with an anxiety disorder, our team at Saible Neuropsychology is here to offer guidance, support, and effective strategies.  Don’t let anxiety hold your child back from experiencing all the joys and opportunities that childhood has to offer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first steps towards a brighter future for your child.