Learning Disabilities and Anxiety

Anxiety, as defined by Mr. Webster, is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt of one's capacity to cope with it.   Okay, for purposes of this post, let's simplify the definition to extreme or excessive worry that interferes with a child's ability to enjoy life or to perform some normal, everyday activities.  Did you know that research shows that children with Learning Disabilities most likely experience higher levels of anxiety than non LD kids?  Makes sense, right? 

According to the article Anxiety Among Kids with LD:  Three Clinical Psychologists Discuss Causes and Symptoms the research they have collected indicates that first signs of anxiety present themselves when these children enter kindergarten.  One of the psychologists, Roberta Goldberg, terms it "the anxiety of not being able to keep up."  The article also goes on to say that at this age most parents are not aware there is a learning disability and just feel the child isn't working hard enough.  This of course adds to the child's anxiety, who already feels as if he/she can't do something they should be able to do.  Most children are not identified LD until 2nd or 3rd grade or later (that is of course if they are identified at all :  30-50% of the population has undiagnosed learning disabilities.(Source - National Institute for Literacy)).  Also, 44% of parents who noticed their child exhibiting signs of difficulty with learning waited a year or more before acknowledging their child might have a serious problem (Source: Roper Starch Poll - Measuring Progress in a Public and Parental Understanding of Learning Disabilities). The article Anxiety Among Kids with LD tells us that before and during the identification time period, their anxiety levels can  be high.  According to these psychologists, the anxiety for the LD children is the highest in elementary school, then subsides some in junior high, and subsides even more in high school.

Anxiety in our children can manifest in many different ways.  Some symptoms can include, but are not limited to nightmares, separation anxiety, stomach pain, headaches, irritability, crying, and excessive worrying.  It is our responsibility as parents to pick up on these symptoms and to act on them if we feel they are outside the realm of normal for our child.  Many LD children experience bullying, fear of failure, fear of school and low self esteem, just to name a few.  These can all lead to anxiety, which without support can become overwhelming for our children.

Interestingly, there is a link between anxiety and problem solving in children, and especially those with learning disabilities...not like it isn't already tough enough for our kids.  In the article Anxiety and Problem Solving in Kids with LD it states

Recent discoveries from the world of neuroscience indicate that stress can cause an increase in certain stress hormones, particularly one called cortisol.  Scientists know that stress can cause problems with memory and problem solving.  High levels of cortisol in the blood in the brain make it difficult for cells in certain regions of the brain to absorb glucose, which is the major source of nutrition for the brain.  The hippocampus is the area of the brain that has a lot to do with memory, and the cortisol is actually drawn to this region, where it can have a negative impact on memory and learning.

A child with a learning disability can possibly live in a chronic state of stress, therefor making problem solving (i.e. any activity or subject in school) more difficult.  So how can we fix this?  This article suggests having our children practice deep breathing exercises or doing little activities to lesson the stress, such as going on a short fast walk.  However, that may not be possible when our children are sitting in a classroom.  I also found some techniques on a blog titled reading2008.  This blog is written by an Ed.D, Howard Margolis and a Ph.D, Gary G. Brannigan.  The two posts about relaxation techniques for children with LD are How to Reduce Anxiety:  Yours and Your Child's  and How to Reduce Anxiety: Yours and Your Child's - Part II.  This blog is all about reading and other learning disabilities.  It has a plethora of information.  There is also a great book I use with Madison entitled What to Do When You Worry Too Much.  These are just a few resources to use with your child if they are experiencing anxiety.

As I am always telling my friends and parents that I meet, we are our children's best advocates.  It is up to us to pay attention to what is going on with them.  It is not always something we want to see or perhaps admit to, but if we don't do what will be best for them, who will?

To be posted later:  Madison's journey to date with anxiety