Anxiety in Young Children. Breakthroughs & Theories in Understanding Behaviors By Dr. Kristi Martin-Smith

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1 Anxiety in Young Children Breakthroughs & Theories in Understanding Behaviors By Dr. Kristi Martin-Smith S

2 Anxiety is rising in society as the world becomes more complex. Result - Increase in extreme behaviors in young children There is a decrease in physicians & professional counselors willing to assess and treat children under 6 years of age. Result - Many early education professionals feel helpless in regards to maintaining classroom control. Theories to Discuss

3 Polling the Issues How many of you are seeing an increase in extreme behaviors in young children? How many of you are seeing a decrease in physicians and professional counselors willing to assess young children? How many of you are having a difficulty with classroom control as a result of an increase in extreme behaviors in young children?

Anxiety up 300% since 2000 Time Inc., 2013 Neuropsychiatric disorders increasing Global DALYs (Disability-adjusted Life Years) https://www.nimh.nih.

4 Anxiety up 300% since 2000 Time Inc., 2013 Neuropsychiatric disorders increasing Global DALYs (Disability-adjusted Life Years) Increase in U.S. preschool expulsion mental health in early childhood and preschool expulsion not financially sustainable AAP 2015 Lack of research, information, & training on anxiety disorders in young children and preschools Fischer 2014; Thomas, 2013; Edwards et. al.; Systematic Reviews 2014 Problems to Discuss

5 Polling the Problems How many have had training regarding anxiety in young children?

6 1. Think about how you react when you are anxious. 2. Write down simple phrases describing how you react. 3. Rate the phrases 1-5 with a 1 being mild and 5 being extreme. 4. Circle your top 3 reactions. You & Anxiety

7 Dr. K s Theory: Young children can display a broad spectrum of personalities/actions when they are anxious. & Anxiety Young Children The Timid Child The Funny Child The Mean Child

8 Group care can be difficult for an extremely anxious child. As uncontrollable emotions flood in, an extremely anxious child can display the entire spectrum within a short time.

Meanwhile Martha was anxious about all the hospitality arrangements. Martha (interrupting Jesus): Lord, why don t You care that my sister is leaving me to do all the work by myself?

10 Meanwhile Martha was anxious about all the hospitality arrangements. Martha (interrupting Jesus): Lord, why don t You care that my sister is leaving me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to get over here and help me. Luke 10:40 The fact is that in this tent we anxiously moan, fearing the naked truth of our reality. What we crave above all is to be clothed so that what is temporary and mortal can be wrapped completely in life. 2 Cor. 5:4 All Scriptures taken from The Voice Version of the Bible The Bible & Anxiety

11 "Behaviors Are Messages; They Are Not Diagnoses Why your child's inattentive or hyperactive symptoms may actually be symptoms of anxiety. Larry Silver, M.D.? Symptoms of Anxiety

12 Anxiety/ADD ANXIETY Muscle tension Excessive worry Irrational fear Irritability Heart racing Cries a lot Headaches Stomachaches Fear of separation Difficulty swallowing BOTH Distractibility Screams a lot Racing mind Difficulty concentrating Hyperactive/excessive response to situations Wants to run off Fidgets/trembling Poor performance Restlessness Poor sleep Wets pants ADHD Chronic inattention Disorganization Carelessness Forgetfulness Daydreams Talks a lot Interrupts Avoidance of mental effort

13 Guiding an anxious child Calming Boxes I.P.s (Intervention Plans) Three Tools

14 Biblical Guidance Moses led the anxious people away from camp to encounter God. Exodus 19:17 Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, Take strength; have courage! There s nothing to fear. Look, here your God! Right here is your God! The balance is shifting; God will right all wrongs. None other than God will give you success. He is coming to make you safe. Isaiah 35:4 Don t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. Phil. 4: Lead away from group Tell in a calm manner not to fear Point to God Pray & be thankful

Calming Box Fill with positive personal artifacts and tools to help manage emotions Small Bible Book about God keeping us safe Photo album Representing God

15 Calming Box Fill with positive personal artifacts and tools to help manage emotions Small Bible Book about God keeping us safe Photo album Representing God s protection Family, Home, Favorite food, Pet Something that smells like parents Stuffed animal Play dough Squishy toys Clock with time that parent comes back

I.P.s (Intervention Plans) A way to track behaviors and document results of different interventions Done on children that are not responding to teacher s instruction

17 I.P.s (Intervention Plans) A way to track behaviors and document results of different interventions Done on children that are not responding to teacher s instruction Cooperation with parents Kingdom Education philosophy Teacher has a copy Posted in Director s office Use a code for child s name Rely on staff to document and put info on I.P.

Anxiety and ADD have commonalities, but are different. 5.

18 Conclusion q Summary 1. Anxiety is on the rise. 2. Anxiety is an EE issue. 3. There is a lack of research & training. 4. Anxiety and ADD have commonalities, but are different. 5. Implement the Three Tools: Biblical Guidance Calming Boxes I.Ps. q Contribute to expanding research by sharing info. dockristimartin@gmail.com q Reflection Activity q GCSLS app

19 References Addressing the Early Childhood Mental Health Needs of Young Children: Evaluating Child and Family Outcomes, Fischer, Anthony, Lalich, and Blue, Journal of Social Service Research, Volume 40, Issue 5, 2014 Anxiety Disorders on the Rise in the Ranks, New report says reported rates of anxiety, panic, and phobias up more than 300% since 2000, By Mark Thompson, DC, Nov. 05, 2013 The Assessment of Anxiety Symptoms in Preschool-Aged Children: The Revised Preschool Anxiety Scale, Edwards, Susan L.; Rapee, Ronald M.; Kennedy, Susan J.; Spence, Susan H., Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, v39 n3 p Early Childhood: Integrated Behavioral Health in Pediatric Practice, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015 Embedding Mental Health Interventions in Early Childhood Education Systems for At-Risk Preschoolers: An Evidence to Policy Realist Review. Carrey, Curran, Greene, et. al,. Systematic Reviews 2014, 3:84 Preschool Anxiety Disorders: Comprehensive Assessment of Clinical, Demographic, Temperamental, Familial, and Life Stress Correlates, Dougherty, Tolep, et. al., Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 0(0), 1 13,

20 Top 10 Leading Disease/Disorder Categories Contributing to Global DALYs (2010) 1. Cardiovascular and Circulatory Diseases Diarrhea, Lower Respiratory Infections, Meningitis, and Other Common Infectious Diseases 3. Neuropsychiatric Disorders Mental and Behavioral Disorders 7.4 Neurological Disorders Neonatal Disorders Neoplasms Musculoskeletal Disorders HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Other Non communicable Diseases 9. Diabetes, Urogenital, Blood, and Endocrine Diseases 10. Unintentional Injuries (Other than Transport Injuries) Percent of Total Global DALYs Data courtesy of WHO

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