Anxiety
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived threat. A little bit of anxiety is normal, and can even be helpful. But when anxiety becomes frequent, intense, or starts getting in the way of everyday life, it can be genuinely exhausting for children and families alike.
Anxiety in children can look very different to anxiety in adults. It might show up as avoidance, physical complaints, clinginess, difficulty sleeping, or big emotional responses — not always as worry that a child can easily name or explain.
At Spectrum Therapy Australia, we understand that anxiety is real and uncomfortable — not something children can simply 'push through'. Our psychologists work with children and families to understand what's driving the anxiety and build practical skills and strategies that genuinely help.
What might anxiety look like in children and teens?
- Clinginess or separation difficulties, particularly around drop-off at school or childcare
- Frequent physical complaints — stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause
- Avoidance of new situations, people, or activities
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or needing a parent present to fall asleep
- Lots of 'what if' questions or reassurance-seeking
In older children and teens
- Avoiding school, social situations, or activities they previously enjoyed
- Excessive worry about performance, friendships, health, or the future
- Irritability, snappiness, or emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks due to worrying thoughts
- Physical tension, restlessness, or difficulty relaxing
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety can also be associated with autism, ADHD, sensory differences, and other neurodivergent profiles — and it may look somewhat different in these contexts. Understanding the full picture helps us tailor support that actually works.
How can psychology help?
- Understanding the nature and pattern of your child's anxiety
- Building skills for managing anxious thoughts and bodily sensations
- Gradual, supported exposure to feared situations — at your child's pace
- Helping children and teens develop confidence in their own ability to cope
- Parent guidance and strategies for supporting (without inadvertently reinforcing) anxiety
- School collaboration where anxiety is affecting attendance or participation
Reassurance can provide short-term relief, but too much reassurance can actually maintain anxiety over time by preventing children from learning that they can cope. A psychologist can help you find the right balance.
Anxiety is real and involuntary, children aren't choosing to feel worried or avoiding things for fun. Dismissing anxiety as attention-seeking can increase shame and make it harder for children to seek help when they need it.
"If we just reassure them enough, they'll feel better."
FACT
FACT
Myth
"They're just doing it for attention."
Myth
Gradual, supported exposure is indeed one of the most effective approaches to anxiety, but the key word is gradual. Forced exposure without the right skills and support can increase distress. A psychologist can guide the process safely and effectively.
FACT
"Just make them do it, exposure will fix it."
Myth
Myths and facts about anxiety
If anxiety is affecting your child's day-to-day life — their sleep, their school attendance, their friendships, or their ability to do things they want to do — it's worth speaking to a psychologist. You don't need to wait until things are very severe.
How do I know if my child's anxiety needs professional support?
Yes, anxiety in Autistic children can look quite different and may be expressed through increased sensory sensitivity, more rigid routines, meltdowns, or shutdowns rather than obvious worry. Our psychologists are experienced in supporting anxiety in neurodivergent young people.
Is medication needed for anxiety?
Can anxiety look different in Autistic children?
Psychological therapy is the first-line approach for anxiety in children and teens and is effective for most young people without medication. A GP or paediatrician can advise if medication is worth considering for your child's specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Behind every success story, there’s a passionate support team.
The Spectrum Therapy team is as diverse as they come — speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and therapy assistants. They’re not just experts, they’re the secret sauce behind our whole-child approach.
OUR SERVICES
A peek inside our most popular programs
We offer more services, including intensives and other specialised programs.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO ALL OUR SERVICES
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Occupational therapy
Navigating the physical world is more than just playing on the monkey bars! OT helps teach essential life skills, like writing, using the bathroom, dressing independently, and emotion regulation and sensory difficulties.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Speech therapy
Many of us take communication for granted, but its subtleties can be tricky for others. Our speech-language pathologists help your child master these language nuances and develop their social skills.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Psychology Therapy
Therapy can benefit anyone, but for individuals with autism, it can be transformative. We provide a safe space to address big emotions, helping your child find calm, clarity, and confidence.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Diagnostic and Functional Assessment
A diagnosis is more than a label. It’s an explanation. Understanding your child’s diagnosis is the first step to unlocking the right support and resources they need.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Social Connection Programs
There’s no better way for your child to master friendship skills than in an interactive setting! This gives your child a fun and engaging opportunity to practise social interactions in a supportive environment.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Masterclasses For Parents
Sick of endless Googling and second-guessing? Our self-paced masterclasses empower you with the tools to support your child's unique needs and become the parent you've always wanted to be.
TAKE OUR CLINIC FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH THIS FREE GUIDE
5 Ways to Help Your Child Regulate Big Emotions
Feeling overwhelmed trying to help your little one with big feelings? This FREE comprehensive guide, packed with evidence-based tools, covers everything from environment to sensory strategies, giving you practical support you can use right away.
RESOURCES YOU’LL FIND HELPFUL
Visit our shop!
This is your one-stop shop for all things early childhood development! Here, you can find our guides, self-paced courses, stimming toys, and more, accessible to families everywhere.
