Social anxiety in toddlers is not the normal shyness they exhibit in some social situations, and it can have various signs. Toddlers can experience various types of anxiety. However, social anxiety could be the fear of being judged by others. Toddlers with social anxiety may constantly feel anxious and self-conscious when around others. You may notice nervousness and the fear of social interaction in them. Encouraging the toddler to interact with others and do activities in front of others can help them overcome this fear. Read on to know about the cause, signs, and ways to deal with social anxiety in toddlers.
What Causes Social Anxiety In Toddlers?
It is common for toddlers to display some anxiety and shyness, especially around strangers, from the age of one year (1). It is part of the little one’s normal social and behavioral development and is seldom a cause for concern. However, if the toddler always displays an intense fear, anxiety, and shyness during social situations and has a constant fear of being humiliated or judged, it could be considered a social anxiety disorder (2). There is no specific reason why toddlers develop a social anxiety disorder. Below are some factors that may lead to it (3). Some toddlers may develop social anxiety disorder even without displaying any other factors. In such cases, it could be due to the individual personality of the toddler.
Is Social Anxiety A Sign Of Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorder may have a few overlapping signs and symptoms (4). Social anxiety may also occur in those with autism, but it is not an exclusive sign of autism (5). Therefore, not all toddlers with social anxiety have autism. The biggest difference is, autism is a neuro developmental disorder where child behave socially restricted in home too, social gatherings have no effect on it, while social anxiety is more inclined towards behaving in groups. The diagnosis of autism in toddlers involves several assessments, including checking the child’s developmental history from birth (6). The toddler would need multiple assessments at different ages to conclude the presence of autism.
Signs Of Social Anxiety In Toddlers
Below are some of the common signs of social anxiety in toddlers (7). A toddler with social anxiety will also display physical symptoms along with the signs. A few physical symptoms of social anxiety are stomach ache, nausea, sweating, and trembling.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Social Anxiety
A pediatrician or pediatric psychiatrist will diagnose social anxiety based on the toddler’s signs and symptoms noted by the parents. Some amount of social anxiety is normal in toddlers. A child psychologist will examine the following factors to diagnose social anxiety disorder (8).
The toddler displays extreme anxiety during social situations and constantly fears being ridiculed by those around them.
The toddler always avoids at least one social situation with extreme resistance. If the toddler is forced into the social situation, they display severe distress and physical symptoms.
Social anxiety interferes with the toddler’s social development and normal activities, such as attending playschool, making friends, and interacting with other people.
Normal social anxiety does not require treatment. Social anxiety disorder could be treated through various methods, depending on the toddler’s age, the triggering factors, and the presence of other issues. A good child psychologist will first assess the case for severity and later, starts with a series of therapies to help your child Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is the most common treatment method used to help the toddler get over social anxiety (2). The therapy contains several lifestyle-related interventions customized to meet the toddler’s requirements. Parents are involved and are guided on ways of helping the toddler manage triggers and reduce anxiety. The therapy helps in the improvement of social anxiety disorder eventually.
Tips For Parents Of Toddlers With Social Anxiety
Parents may also incorporate certain practices, routines, and steps to reduce the toddler’s anxiousness in social situations. Below are some ways to help a toddler with social anxiety (9).
