Education and Child Matters

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Social Anxiety Disorder

 

Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:

NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed. 

NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.

NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.

NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it. 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES. 

WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER (SAD)?

A child with social anxiety disorder is overly and intensely afraid about being in a social setting and meeting others. They fear that they may be judged or watched. The fear is so extreme and excessive that the child can experience physical symptoms, distress and it can impact their daily life.

Some children may feel a little anxiety in public and social settings however a child with social anxiety disorder will experience heightened stress and anxiety for a longer period or all the time. They often cannot switch off or stop this anxiety. If this condition is left untreated it can turn into a chronic condition.

Social anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder and can prevent a child going to school and going out to play.

Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia or SAD.

LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY

Children with social anxiety disorder are regarded as children with special educational needs.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER DISPLAY?

The symptoms a child with social anxiety disorder can show are:

  1. They are self-conscious and are scared they will be viewed negatively by others.
  2. They experience physical symptoms such as stomach aches at the thought of being in public and meeting people.
  3. They worry they will embarrass themselves
  4. They try to avoid any interaction with others
  5. They find it difficult looking others in the eye.
  6. They get anxious, nauseous, they tremble, shake, sweat, and get a fast heart beat when in public or social settings.  
  7. They can be clingy to parents when in social settings.
  8. They can refuse to speak to others in a social setting.
  9. They find it difficult starting a conversation with others.
  10. They may not be able to use a public washroom
  11. They may not be able to eat in front of others.
  12. They fear dating.

ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?

Similar to many mental health disorders, the exact cause of social anxiety disorder is unknown. However, there may be a genetic element to it and it could be inherited but even if it is there are many factors which play a part in its development in the child. They are:

  1. A family history of social anxiety disorder
  2. The child’s natural inherited temperament
  3. A disruption of the neurotransmitters in the brain.
  4. A traumatic or violent episode
  5. Family breakdown
  6. Abuse
  7. Being bullied
  8. Injury
  9. Over controlling parents

WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?

Most children will start showing the first signs of social anxiety disorder during their school years. The majority are in their early to mid-teens.

CAN SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?

Social anxiety disorder is treatable and can be managed and controlled. It is not preventable or can be cured.

WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?

Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for social anxiety disorder. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.

Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.

IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?

A child suffering from social anxiety disorder can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age. 

Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES. 

WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

You can contact NSPCC – If your child has social anxiety disorder you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police. 

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US

You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline.  You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has social anxiety disorder. 

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US 

You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has social anxiety disorder. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US 

You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

You can contact other organisations – 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.

WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has social anxiety disorder and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CHILDLINE – CONTACT US