Early assessment gives children the best chance to learn, connect and thrive. These pages are written for parents and teachers.
Childhood Anxiety (Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism & School Refusal)
Does your child cry and cling at school drop-off, complain of stomach aches every Monday morning, or talk freely at home but go completely silent at school? Childhood anxiety includes separation anxiety disorder (extreme fear of being apart from parents, ICD-11 6B05), selective mutism (not speaking in certain places like school, 6B06) and school refusal.
How common is it?
Separation anxiety affects about 4 in 100 children; selective mutism under 1 in 100. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in childhood.
Who is at higher risk?
- Shy or sensitive children
- Anxious or over-protective parents
- Moving home, a new school, illness or loss in the family
- Bullying
Signs & symptoms
- Clinging, crying or tantrums when separating from a parent
- Worry that something bad will happen to parents
- Headaches or stomach aches on school days; refusing to go to school
- Not sleeping alone; nightmares
- Not speaking at school for more than a month, while talking normally at home
What causes it?
A sensitive temperament, genes, learned fear and stressful changes at home or school.
How to know if your child is struggling — you may relate if…
- Every morning is a battle to get her to school.
- His teacher has never heard him speak.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
Child-friendly CBT, play and art therapy, gradual brave practice, parent coaching and close coordination with the school.
Frequently asked questions
Is my child just naughty, or is it a disorder?
If difficult behaviour is much more than peers, lasts 6 months or more and affects home and school, an assessment helps.
Will therapy for my child involve me?
Yes. Parents are central to child therapy; many strategies work best at home.
Can children really get depressed?
Yes. In children and teens it often shows as irritability, anger and withdrawal.