Studies show that students with learning and attention difficulties are at a greater risk for anxiety. Students with dyslexia may feel anxious because they don’t understand why reading is so difficult for them. They see other students reading with ease and feel embarrassed because of their inability to read fluently. Fear of reading in a group or fear of other students seeing their writing and spelling is intense and very real. Self-loathing can eat away at their self-esteem.
As the new school year approaches, many of my students are exhibiting signs of anxiety to a certain degree. They are facing new classrooms, teachers, and other students. So many students with learning differences are misunderstood. Teachers may think they just need to try harder or listen better. The amount of mental energy that they put into reading and paying attention is tremendous. They sometimes leave school exhausted. Patience is necessary to help our students. We sometimes miss the signs of anxiety and think a student is just “acting out” or “being stubborn”. So, let’s examine how anxiety may manifest itself in students with learning differences.
The following are some of the signs you may find in students with anxiety:
- Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches
- Change in eating habits, overeating or lack of appetite
- Refusal to eat lunch or snacks at school
- Restless, fidgety, hyperactivity, or easily distracted
- Tense muscles
- Cries often
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Moody
- Refusal to go to school
- Refusal to do homework
- Avoids social situations, withdrawal
It is important to never invalidate their emotions and to support them as you give them tools and strategies to deal with their anxiety at school. Be their advocate with their teacher. This will be a great opportunity to model for them how to deal with difficult situations in a mature way with good communication. It is also necessary for them to know that you have their back.
It is also important for our students to experience success. Celebrate every success, every improvement, and every effort they make. Understand that their success, improvement, or effort may look different from other students, but are no less valuable. Help students find their strengths and gifts so that the focus is not always on their learning difference.
Finally, do your best to partner with your child’s teacher. You know your child best and it may be necessary to give the teacher insights into your child’s behavior and educational needs.
Reading Within Reach 