Advocating: Anxiety

Anxiety is the common denominator for almost all students that don't fit perfectly in the general education classroom. These children may spend all of their time in a typical classroom but there are usually some struggles in the classroom. These struggles such as sensory or communication difficulties can cause heightened anxiety. Sometimes anxiety is the root cause of behavioral problems.









SO HOW CAN PARENTS ADVOCATE FOR ANXIETY?

This is not easy many times. If the school personnel are rigid about dealing with learning issues, it will be much more difficult. If there are teachers and administrators who are open to a parent's input about the child's anxiety and potential causes, there is a real chance for progress. Anxiety comes in all shapes a sizes: fears, traumatic past experiences, abrupt changes in schedules and routines and current stresses in the home.

Anxiety interventions don't always fit a behavior plan Functions of behavior scenario. The school personnel need to take a broader perspective that includes this mental health component. Typical school assessments don't always factor in anxiety and how it affects the areas that are being assessed. Strategies to advocate about anxiety include:

1. Share experiences of anxiety in the home and ways a caregiver can respond.

2. Share how the structure of a classroom can provide predictability which can lower anxiety. Share specific examples including visuals.

3. Share the qualities that the adults can display and ways of interacting with a child that lowers anxiety.

4. If necessary, bring outside professionals such as a mental health provider that the child sees, to advocate. This person may have a professional credibility in the school's eyes that can make a big difference.

Next week, I will share a few interventions that often help with anxiety.


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