Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Support Beyond Tutoring
GAD is characterized by constant worry. Children suffering from GAD will worry about the usual things that most children worry about like tests, making mistakes, or homework, but may also worry about other less expected issues such as world violence, birthday parties, or a loved one’s safety. Though all children worry, the worries of children with GADs are so intense that they affect the ability to cope with everyday life. In diagnosing GAD, frequency, duration, and intensity of anxiety symptoms are considered. Symptoms may present physically, cognitively, and/or behaviourally. Though students may be aware that their concerns are irrational or excessive, the ability to control them is inhibited.
The physical symptoms of anxiety can be mistaken for signs of a physical illness. Physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, sweating, or shaking are the result of the body’s “fight or flight” response. The “fight or flight” response can be easily triggered or excessive in a person with an anxiety disorder.
Common Issues Associated with GAD
Students may experience difficulty sleeping, eating, or controlling their mood and behaviour.
Physical symptoms can also include frequent headaches, pains, and stomach aches.
Students may have difficulty focusing their attention or concentrating on a task.
Students may have difficulty starting and completing an assignment due to worries about getting it right or having enough time to complete it. This may also lead to task avoidance.
Students may experience unrealistic fears about daily activities.
Challenges with friendships and family relationships may be present due to worries and reassurance-seeking behaviours.
How We Support Students with GAD
Aligning work with a student’s learning needs to boost confidence and competency in a subject area
Teaching tools and strategies related to task initiation and completion
Providing encouragement and positive reinforcement through the learning process
Developing executive functioning procedures to support assignment completion goals
Infusing multisensory learning with physical activity
Get Started with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Support Today
Further Reading and Resources
https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/managing-feelings/stress-anxiety/anxiety-in-kids-who-learn-and-think-differently
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/anxiety-disorders
https://anxietycanada.com/disorders/generalized-anxiety-disorder-2/
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