For many parents, it is easy to see a child as shy. Shy children struggle with meeting new people, but once they do meet people, they warm up to them safely. In order cases, childhood social anxiety disorder is confused for shyness.

Do you want to know how to determine if your child has a social anxiety disorder? These are some of the signs you should look for:

Ongoing Fear of Social Situations

For children who are shy, they are able to warm up in social situations. For those with anxiety, that warming up may never happen. The anxiety about fear or judgment may feel ongoing or omnipresent, which can cause a child not to speak or participate.

In order for shy behaviors to be a sign of anxiety, the fear is typically not proportional to the threat. The fear may be much more serious than is necessary for a social situation, which can deter a child from participating in a variety of activities.

Avoidance of Social Situations

A child who avoids social situations may have social anxiety. While other kids may be happy to go to the park and play or to join a dance class, a child with anxiety may be afraid to join in some of these activities.

When children are required to participate in activities, they may do so with difficulty. They may show signs of physical and emotional distress, which can be detrimental to developing real relationships. This can create a self-fulfilling prophecy that makes further participation more difficult as well.

Difficulty With Daily Activities

There are many activities that may cause your child to appear flush or anxious. For instance, you might note that your child struggles to do things like order food or answer a question in class. Your child may express anxiety about a class presentation days before they are set to speak in front of the class.

You may encourage your child to express themselves or not to feel judged, but the truth is that nothing may change. Your child may need to work on building skills to avoid concerns about judgment or humiliation in safe settings.

A Childhood Social Anxiety Disorder Plan Can Help

If your child has been diagnosed with childhood social anxiety disorder, a professional can put together a treatment plan that is helpful. Dealing with social anxiety now can help your child develop healthy habits and coping skills.

If know someone struggling with a childhood social disorder, check out websites of professionals who can help.