DD7 suddenly really sad, anxious and hating school

[AmIBeingWeird]

DD is 7 and previously a very bubbly happy go lucky kid. Loved school years Reception - Y2.

She’s suddenly very anxious, massive separation anxiety wants to be with me all the time, says she feels sad all the time but doesn’t know why. Says she’s been unhappy since start of Y3. She’s at the same school as her school is Reception-Y6.

We do suspect possible SEN.

She’s at a private school and I’m worried they may be pushing the kids too hard?

She’s bright but not that academic if that makes sense, as in she will come out with really intelligent concepts, ideas but struggles with stuff like learning times tables or spellings

And advice as I’m really struggling and want her to be happy again.

I'd be more worried that there might have been an incident I haven't been told about. You should contact the school.

If you suspect ASD then this fits - the older they get the more social nuances appear and masking becomes a huge pressure. I would raise with SENCO to flag it. Poor her. Make home as routine and stress free as possible with very low demands. Of course it might be something else but that is my experience.

Thanks yes we have of course been in discussions with school although so far haven’t found them overly helpful (!) so currently wondering what exactly I’m paying all the fees for …. But that’s another thread!

Yes thankfully she’s an only child & we are very fortunate to have a lovely large, quiet house and facilitate lots of time outside in nature etc out of school. So yes we are able to offer a calm home environment.