Engage Learning TX

Understanding anxiety 💜

Sometimes what we see is only the tip of the iceberg.

School anxiety can show itself through morning resistance, irritability, headaches, stomachaches, clinginess, meltdowns, withdrawal or dysregulation.

But behaviour is information.

Underneath may be sensory overload, learning struggles, social difficulties, separation anxiety, bullying, executive function demands, transitions, low self-esteem, family stress or simply feeling that school is too much to manage right now.

The important question isn’t only “How do we get them into school?”

It is also:

“What is making school feel so difficult for this child?”

When we understand what sits underneath the anxiety, we are in a much better position to support the child — ideally before anxiety progresses into significant difficulties with attendance.

The battle goes on with our kiddos on the spectrum of ASD. Are they just being annoying or are they trying to cope? It is our job as educators not to assume, but to provide them the services that are required by Federal Law and their IEP.

What Autism Can Feel Like: Inside vs. What Others See Inside the person: ●Lights may feel too bright. ●Sounds may feel too loud. ●Too much sensory information can become overwhelming. ●Changes… | Goni Bahal What Autism Can Feel Like: Inside vs. What Others See Inside the person: ●Lights may feel too bright. ●Sounds may feel too loud. ●Too much sensory information can become overwhelming. ●Changes in tone or voice can be difficult to understand. ●Unspoken social rules may be confusing. ●Unpr...

Behavior is communication. It could mean a variety of different things, but bizarre situations sometimes trigger behavioral responses. What we often forget is most behavior is a cry for help where needs are not being met.

Before we call a child “naughty,” “defiant,” or “attention-seeking,” it can help to pause and ask a different question:

“What might they be trying to tell us?”

A meltdown may be exhaustion. Refusal may be anxiety. Anger may be overwhelm. Withdrawal may be a child who doesn’t yet have the words for what hurts.

Children can struggle with hunger, tiredness, sensory overload, big feelings, changes at home or school, communication difficulties, loneliness, or unmet needs. Their behaviour is not always a choice to make life difficult — sometimes it is the only way they know how to say, “I need help.”

This doesn’t mean ignoring harmful behaviour or having no boundaries. It means responding with curiosity as well as consequences, connection as well as correction.

The question is not only, “How do we stop this behaviour?”
It is also, “What does this child need from us right now?”

FREE UNDERSTANDING WHAT MAY BE BEHIND CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR

LIKE the photo and comment "THINK" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

Parents!! You are the biggest player here! Build relationships with your children's teachers. Your kids are your greatest investment. 🏆🏅🏫👩‍🏫

This is so powerful. I have families that have a question of the week posted on their fridge for the whole family to think about and discuss at the end of the week. A journal or to record your questions and thoughts are a great way to start a conversation. Kids need outlets for their questions, for sure. They can get daunting at certain ages, but kids should always be encouraged to ask if you don't know. Love this post!

You’re not failing because your child asks a hundred questions, challenges the usual way of doing things, or needs time to find their own path. You’re raising a whole person, not filling an empty notebook. 💛

The most meaningful growth often happens when children are encouraged to wonder, explore, make mistakes, and discover how they think for themselves. And yes, that can make parenting feel a little like hosting a tiny philosophy class before breakfast. ☕️😄

What is one question, idea, or unique way of thinking your child has shared that made you pause and see the world differently?

Share it with our village: and DM to chat. We’d love to hear your story. 💬

To all of the families and great kids going back to school!!! It's exciting, but we do need to remember that it's sensory overload for some of our kiddos. If we don't have their hearts, we don't have their minds 💓 Let's appreciate neurodiversity and love all students. Have a great 2026-2027 school year! 🎉✏️🖍️📎📓

Replacement behaviors are my jam! Try some of these steps to regulate and replace!🛑💯✔️🫷🏼

These are powerful words 🦋🧡

Please.
Slow.
Down.
💕