Separation Anxiety: What is Normal and When to get help?  

Most younger children tend to feel anxious when they leave their parents to go to daycare or with a relative, that's normal. They're not used to being away from their parents so it is an adjustment, when they get older and they are still really struggling, it could be separation anxiety. 

Childhood separation anxiety disorder affects many young children. It is caused by fear when a child is separated from their parent or in a familiar environment. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development with children and parents often notice it when their child starts school or daycare for the first time. When the child's anxiety becomes excessive, it can be classified as separation anxiety disorder. 

Separation anxiety disorder is a type of childhood anxiety disorder that is more common in girls than boys and can persist into adolescence. Children with separation anxiety disorder may experience fear or worry when separated from their parent. They may become extremely clingy or may refuse to go to school or want to attend any activities without their parent.

Early diagnosis and treatment for separation anxiety disorder is extremely important when helping children manage their symptoms. When treating separation anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is often used because it teaches children how to change their anxious thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts.  

Resources For Parents 

Anxiety Canada   What is Separation Anxiety in Children? | Anxiety Canada

Boston Children's Hospital  Separation Anxiety Disorder | Boston Children's Hospital

Canadian Mental Health Association    Children, Youth and Anxiety - CMHA National

Nationwide Children's     Separation Anxiety Disorder in Children

Riley Children's Health   Older Kids and Separation Anxiety: How It… | Riley Children's Health

Child Mind Institute    What Is Separation Anxiety? - Child Mind Institute

Cleveland Clinic   Separation Anxiety Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

Mayo Clinic  Separation anxiety disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a medical professional. Click on links throughout each page for more resources and information. Click here for more resources https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/sensoryprocessingdisorderresources

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