Anxiety in 11 year old

[Livpool]

My DS has just turned 11 and for the last year has been experiencing anxiety. It seems to be school related as he never had it over the summer holidays. GP suggested watch and wait but it seems to be getting worse, as in more often. I’ve just referred to CAMHS.

School used to send him home but now he sits out for a bit when he feels anxious. I want to try resolve this before he goes to secondary school on September.

Has anyone experienced this?

Yes my son whose ten is also very anxious. We were told to go for a autism assessment to rule it out as autism can cause anxiety.
Turns out he is autistic and the anxiety is secondary.

Ok thanks @OhMyGodSusan - sorry you are going through this too. What were the signs of your son’s autism and my son doesn’t have any ‘typical’ symptoms.

There isn't that many to be honest. Hes extremely bright, but he was coming home from school distressed and distressed In the mornings before school. Hes also a bit socially behind but does have many friends.

My son is the same - though no one has mentioned any issues socialising. Will raise that - thank you.

If this is happening, communication could be the first step, be open to your child and accepting towards him and listens what he tells. Ask him what is bothering him and how can we improve or resolve it. This might be helpful for him.

We have have discussed it a lot - we’re very open and communicate well. He doesn’t seem to know why he feels the way he does sometimes. He does tell us when he has felt that way but he can’t verbalise it. I wish we could help him.