Anxiety - thoughts going around and around in her head

[dontknowwhat2callmyself]

Just as the title says - Dd (8yrs old asd) has recently started to say that she can't stop thinking about things which seem trivial to me (e.g. worried about her classmate losing her hair clip) but are obviously really important to her.

It happens at school and she starts crying in class.

Has anyone else experienced this when their child just can't stop thinking about things in their brain over and over again? I'm guessing its part of anxiety/repetative behaviours - can anyone recommend any techniques or books that may be useful? Thanks

[blanklook]

Have a look here and see if you can adapt anything.
www.getselfhelp.co.uk/anxietyhelp.htm

"Remember, thoughts are not facts, they are simply what your mind is saying or creating at any given moment. They may be based in factual events, but they are simply the mind thinking. Think about the thoughts you are having. Notice them as they change and notice each new thought as it replaces the previous one."

I'd write out the first two sentences of that and put it in her pencil case so when she was beginning to feel anxious, that would reassure her.

That quote is from a site which isn't suitable for children, but it's about Mindfulness which is a technique a lot of mums, dads and dc's have found helpful. There are loads of Mindfulness apps, mp3's, youtube clips etc. online for free, hunt around for one or two your dd would like.

[Jacksterbear]

Have you seen Dawn Huebner's CBT-style workbooks? They are very good. Have a look at "what do do when you worry too much", and maybe also "what to do when your brain gets stuck".

[dontknowwhat2callmyself]

Thanks for the link Blank and those two sentences could really work. I've ordered "what to do when you worry too much" it seems to have excellent reviews - it should be arriving today! Thanks again ??

[Jacksterbear]

Oh good. hope you find it helpful.