We all worry or feel scared at times, but some kids may worry so much they avoid participating in activities, being with others, or going to places.
Children with disabilities or developmental challenges often have more fears and worries than other kids. They may be scared of specific things, like spiders or mud, or have general worry about what might happen in the future, like getting hurt or failing at school or in sports. They may also be nervous when talking or interacting with other people, requiring more time to feel comfortable. Each child is unique and will need a tailored approach to learning.
If a child is scared or worried about an activity and they avoid the activity, the feeling of fear or worry is likely to increase when faced with that situation next time. It is important to identify and understand if a child is worried about something, and to give them support so they can participate. This may mean modifying the activity or expectations in some way, or breaking it down into smaller easier steps. If done in a supportive way, the child will be able to cope a little better each time he or she faces the scary situation. You can help by acknowledging that we all feel scared at times and modelling the brave behaviour.