Has anyone got experience of social anxiety in their neurotypical teen?
dd16 has always been quiet and reserved in unfamiliar social situations. She is very much like her father and I. However, lockdown really exacerbated this and we sought help from a private psychologist to help her back to school. This worked wonders and she has thrived since then.
While she will now go to busy concerts, shopping centres and will even order food in restaurants she is still tending to struggle at school. She will happily join in discussions in class and answer questions but feels the other kids are talking about her in the corridors and while she has a supportive and stable friendship group she doesn’t feel secure in this and doubts herself constantly.
the psychologist felt that she didn’t have autism- no sensory issues or problems building relationships /communicating with adults, familiar teens or younger children. No issues with routine and flexibility. It seems to be low self esteem causing an issue and leading to difficulty with trusting other teens.
has anyone got through this with their teen and can offer any advice? (She already does clubs/interests out of school and these have had a great impact on her self confidence).