When a child’s academic performance is suffering, ADHD, behavioral disorders, or learning disabilities are often the first to come to mind. While these are crucial to assess for, anxiety is an often-overlooked culprit for poor school performance. When determining the cause of your child’s learning difficulties, consider that anxiety can affect learning in the following ways:
- Reduced attention – Worried and anxious thoughts can occupy the brain making it difficult for anxious children to pay attention to important information.
- Poorer memory– Anxiety is linked to difficulties with memory, specifically working memory which is what allows us to hold and use information.
- Difficulties with self-regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s internal emotions in a way that is socially acceptable. Anxiety can reduce a child’s ability to control their extreme emotions, which can cause disruptions in the classroom or while doing schoolwork.
- Worsened ADHD symptoms: If your child already struggles with ADHD, it could be that their anxiety is making their existing symptoms less manageable.
- School refusal: Anxious children might attempt to avoid school altogether, whether consciously or unconsciously. Anxiety can manifest itself physically in the shape of stomach aches, headaches, diarrhea, or in other physical ailments which are common reasons a child might be excused from school.
When school performance begins to drop, it is essential to consider the emotional well-being of your child. If these signs sound familiar, it might be time to have your child assessed for anxiety.