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

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

Jeanette Loftus

a sad child struggling with Separation Anxiety
Most younger children tend to feel anxiety when they leave their parents to go to daycare or with a relative for the night, that's normal. They're simply not used to being away from their parents so it is an adjustment, however, when they get older and they are still really struggling, it could be separation anxiety. 
Often times, children will miss events or even days at school by pretending to be sick, in order to stay home with their parent(s). In addition, it is common for these children to be afraid of being in a different room than their parent(s) or sleeping alone in their bed without them. 
Separation Anxiety
- clings to parents/caregivers
- fear of separation
- cries when separated from parents/caregivers
- nightmares or bedwetting
- refuses to go anywhere without parents/caregivers
- headaches or stomach pain
- excessive worries about losing parents/caregivers
- refuses sleepovers away from home
- avoids activities without parents/caregivers
- refuses to sleep alone
- fear of being alone
- tantrums while separating from parents/caregivers
- refuses to go to school
- distressed about leaving home
child scared holding onto parent Separation Anxiety
Most younger children tend to feel anxiety 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.
Ideas To Ease Your Child ‘s Separation Anxiety Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Ideas To Ease Your Child ‘s Separation Anxiety

Offer comfort item

Consistent routine

Ask therapist for ideas

Calming activities before transitions

Practice separating

Stay calm

Talk positive

Keep good-bye’s brief

Talk about worries

Reassure your child
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.  
Bye-Bye Time (Separation Anxiety)
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Bye-Bye Time Book (Separation Anxiety)

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I Am Stronger Than Anxiety: Children’s Book
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I Am Stronger Than Anxiety Children’s Book

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The Invisible String (separation anxiety)

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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 and support 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 professional. 
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