Neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and dyslexia rarely travel alone. In fact, research shows that anxiety disorders often co-occur with neurodevelopmental challenges about 30% of the time. These overlapping conditions can compound one another—making it harder for children to focus, engage socially, or feel confident at school. A child who is struggling to read or keep up with peers may begin to internalize fear and self-doubt, which can manifest as anxiety. Understanding the broader picture is essential in providing the right support.
If your child has ever experienced anxiety, you're not alone—and neither are they.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges faced by children today. Whether it shows up as stomachaches before school, difficulty sleeping, perfectionism, meltdowns, or quiet withdrawal, anxiety can wear many disguises. As parents, it can feel heartbreaking to watch our children struggle. But there's good news: with support, understanding, and the right tools, anxious kids can thrive.
🧠 Understanding Anxiety: A Sign of a Strong Brain
At its core, anxiety is the brain's way of trying to protect us. Anxious kids tend to be sensitive, thoughtful, and deeply caring—traits that, when supported well, can grow into incredible strengths. What we often interpret as “overreaction” is really a strong signal from a well-developed nervous system that needs help learning how to dial down the volume.
📍When Anxiety Becomes More Than Just Worry
While some anxiety is a normal—and even healthy—part of development, it can sometimes cross the line into something more disruptive. Anxiety becomes maladaptive when it starts interfering with a child’s ability to participate in everyday life: avoiding school, withdrawing from social situations, struggling to eat or sleep, or experiencing panic attacks. When anxiety persists over time and impacts a child’s functioning or happiness, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as therapy or behavioral interventions, can make a meaningful difference in helping children learn to manage anxiety before it becomes entrenched.
💛 How You Can Help Your Child
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Name it to tame it. Help your child identify their anxious feelings. Giving it a name (“That’s your worry talking again.”) can take away its power and make it feel more manageable.
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Validate, don’t dismiss. Instead of saying “There’s nothing to worry about,” try “I can see that this feels really big for you.” When children feel heard, they also feel safer.
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Teach them to ride the wave. Anxiety comes in waves—it builds, peaks, and passes. With practice, kids can learn to tolerate the discomfort and see that they can handle it.
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Model calm. Your presence is powerful. When you remain steady and grounded, you're showing your child they are safe and these feelings will pass.
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Focus on progress, not perfection. Every small step your child takes to face a fear is a huge victory. Celebrate their bravery, no matter how tiny the step.
🎧 A Resource We Love: FlusterClux
If you’re looking for relatable, insightful, and compassionate support, we highly recommend the podcast FlusterClux. Created by Lynn Lyons, a therapist and expert in treating childhood anxiety, this New York Times-acclaimed podcast is full of practical tools, real stories, and honest conversations. It’s a must-listen for any parent who wants to feel more empowered in supporting their child through anxiety.
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your child’s story—it can be a chapter in their journey toward resilience, confidence, and self-understanding. And you, as their parent, are their most powerful ally.
`🧾 Is It Time for a Closer Look?
If you’re concerned your child’s anxiety may be linked to challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, or another learning or developmental difference, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can provide clarity and direction. Our team specializes in assessing the full scope of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Through thorough evaluation, we identify the root causes of your child’s struggles and offer tailored treatment recommendations that empower both you and your child to move forward with confidence.
