My daughter is talking in kindergarten! She spoke from the very first day and I count my blessings everyday. The reason I am writing to you is because although she talks at school, she still is very anxious. She worries a lot. Anything new or different is so very hard with her. Having a substitute in school is a major problem. I get her there, but she cries and is very upset. I know that SM is an anxiety disorder and although she is speaking to just about everyone, the anxiety still remains. She won’t participate in any type of play or show in school, which I can understand. I guess I’m trying to find out if this is normal for her type of personality, considering she had SM. Besides just getting her to school everyday, is there something else I should be doing. There have been a few times that something has happened at school. Once, an unknowing teacher asked that when she called on each student, they should all say a word about Halloween, and all the words should be different. Well by the time they got to my daughter, her idea had already been taken and so she just fell apart. The teacher had to call me to pick my daughter up because she was so hysterical and could not be comforted. My daughter does not take the bus anymore, she just couldn’t handle it. Am I worrying too much? Will these things resolve themselves slowly as she gets older and will she become desensitized as time goes on? As I’m writing this, I almost feel like it is unfair of me to ask all this when I know so many parent’s children are not even speaking. Thank you for whatever suggestions or comments you may have. Should medication be considered even though she is going to school, speaking and for the most part, participating in class? The teacher said she raises her hand all the time and that she is extremely bright.

Answer 10

Yes, it does indeed sound as if your child has anxiety. In fact, fears, tantrums, crying, inflexibility, and constant worrying are absolute signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I recommend an evaluation by a professional.

There are techniques…such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that can be used in children. CBT is known to help wonderfully with childhood anxiety. I would not consider medication unless you have tried alternative means of treatment or your child’s symptoms are so severe that her anxiety is negatively affecting her life.

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum