Any ideas? In class my daughter says "I'm stupid, I'm last, im always wrong, I can't do it!!" :(

[Ilovecake1]

As above really, she is able to do her work well but has gets very distressed in maths and other lessons although she is able to complete the work!! She will think about the work for a couple of seconds and then speak out about not able to complete her work!! Any ideas? Thank you

[SophRunning]

Without knowing whether your daughter has a diagnosis it's difficult to recommend suggestions, but your description sounds very familiar. This could be my daughter (although she gets distressed in maths because she has dyscalculia and really can't 'see' the numbers.) My girl has Aspergers and gets very very worked up and breathless with the anticipation of finding it difficult and then can't concentrate for being anxious so her work is shot before it's begun! Getting a diagnosis and help in the classroom was what ultimately helped us. We have sorted out the sensory environment, so she goes and does her work separately when she needs to, in a quiet spot with no distractions or bright classroom lights, and she takes regular breaks every ten to fifteen minutes during which time she will go outside and get some air, or do some jumping jacks or just stretch. And I keep telling her she's absolutely not stupid, and that it doesn't matter if she gets things wrong, the important is to try her best ..

[Ilovecake1]

Hi, yes I should have included that she has ASD and is 7 yrs old!! She's in MS and does well in school.

Thank you for your reply, our daughters sound very similar!:) I just hate the thought of her thinking that she is a failure! I think I need to speak to the SENCO tomorrow and mention some of the above...needing a break and going for a little run would be extremely helpful to her!

[SophRunning]

What is your daughter really good at? What does she enjoy the most? Mine is great at art and drama and music, so we talk a lot about how good she is in those subjects and do a lot of extra-curricular stuff that's based on those subjects. Praising her for the stuff she's good at and enjoys and making extra time for it has been key to helping my daughter feel better about herself. We also did some one to one counselling via the local CAMHS - the counsellor used All Cats Have Aspergers, which is a great book and made my daughter laugh and feel better. And when it comes to the subjects that make her panic, we tell her that we understand it's difficult and that she's actually very brave and clever to keep going when it's extra-difficult for her. .. Good luck!

[Oblomov]

I have this at the moment. No confidence and 'I can't do it', re homework. Am due to go back to Camhs next week. will have a look at the books you have suggested.