Anxiety Disorders at School

Your child’s anxiety disorder may affect success at school. If an anxiety disorder is causing your child to struggle at school academically or socially, the first step is to talk to the teacher, principal, or counselor about your concerns.

School personnel will likely recognize some symptoms or manifestations of your child’s anxiety at school, but they may not realize they are caused by an anxiety disorder, or how they can help. Use your child’s diagnosis to open lines of communication. 

What You Can Do

Talk to school personnel about any accommodations that may help your child succeed in the classroom. You have the right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to request appropriate accommodations related to your child’s diagnosis.

Also ask them to monitor changes and behavior in the classroom so you can inform your doctor of any progress or problems, or ask them to speak to the doctor or therapist directly.

Read more about what schools can do for your child, including a sample of accommodations, according to psychologist Lynn Siqueland, PhD, a specialist in treating children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and an ADAA member.

Finally, make sure your child’s school stays knowledgeable about childhood anxiety disorders. Schools can request brochures from ADAA.