Childhood anxiety is sneaky. It rarely presents itself in obvious ways, in children or in adults. Challenging behavior, difficulty with emotional regulation, and even sensory issues can all mask the underlying anxiety a child may feel. Likewise, a child may have emotional, social or developmental differences that result in anxious behavior. As much as parents, teachers, and caregivers want to connect the dots, and find a concrete answer or diagnosis, it’s rarely a straight line between the cause and effect.

Fortunately, with increased awareness, medical studies, and better education for parents and teachers, red flags are more “easily“ spotted than in previous generations. And yet, there is nothing “easy” about parenting of a child who is struggling – regardless of the reason. At AZ+A the pediatric occupational therapists focus on the health of the entire family. From our initial evaluation to implementation of a treatment plan, we believe the more the family understands and participates, the more successful an intervention will be.

Here’s an article that is loaded with great information about how anxiety can manifest in a variety of emotional and physical ways, the importance of early intervention, and how to give children tools to manage their emotions. If you read anything that resonates with your child’s behavior, AZ+A is here to help.