Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties are increasingly common in children and teenagers. Some children worry quietly, while others show anxiety through crying, anger, avoidance, stomach aches, sleep problems, perfectionism or school refusal. Younger children may not say “I am anxious”; they may say “my stomach hurts” or “I do not want to go”.
In the UAE and Middle East, children may experience pressure from academics, transitions between countries or schools, multilingual environments, exams, social expectations and busy family routines. Anxiety is not weakness. It is a real emotional and physical response that can affect learning and behaviour.
At home, predictable routines help the nervous system feel safe. Keep sleep, meals, homework and screen time as consistent as possible. A calm morning routine can reduce emotional escalation before school. Parents can teach simple coping language such as “I feel worried”, “I need a break” or “can you help me?”
It is usually more helpful to validate feelings than to dismiss them. Instead of saying “there is nothing to worry about”, try “I can see this feels hard. Let us take one step together.” Calming strategies may include breathing, quiet reflection or prayer, movement, drawing, sensory tools or a short break.
At school, parents should speak with the class teacher, counsellor, inclusion team and LSA. Helpful supports may include a trusted check-in adult, predictable schedules, exam accommodations, quiet spaces, social stories and gradual exposure to feared tasks. The goal is not to remove every challenge, but to help the child face challenges safely.
An LSA can help the child notice early signs of distress and use agreed strategies before behaviour escalates. Targets may include using a quiet voice, keeping kind hands, asking for a break, returning to class after calming down or using words to express feelings.
Incluzun can help match the child with an LSA who is calm, predictable and relationship-focused. Emotional progress depends heavily on trust. When home, school and therapy use the same coping language, the child receives one clear message: you are supported, and you can learn the skills to manage hard moments.
Parent Checklist: When to Seek Further Professional Guidance
Disclaimer: This checklist is only a general guide to help parents notice possible traits or concerns. It is not an identification, diagnosis or formal assessment. Only a suitably qualified professional can complete a formal identification or assessment of a child's needs.
Parents may wish to seek further professional advice when several of the following traits are frequent, persistent and affecting learning, daily life, communication, independence, confidence or safety:
☐ Worry, fear or distress regularly affects school, sleep, friendships or family routines.
☐ Avoids school, certain lessons, social situations or new experiences because they feel overwhelmed.
☐ Often complains of stomach aches, headaches or feeling unwell before stressful situations.
☐ Needs repeated reassurance and still finds it hard to settle.
☐ Becomes tearful, angry, frozen or withdrawn when expectations feel too much.
☐ Shows perfectionism or strong fear of making mistakes.
☐ Finds separation from parents or caregivers very difficult beyond what is expected for age.
☐ Emotional difficulties continue for several weeks or become more intense over time.
If you are unsure where to begin, you can always contact Incluzun for more direction towards the right qualified professional for formal identification or assessment, and to discuss whether an LSA may be suitable for your child.
Research and UAE guidance note: The AAP has updated guidance on screening for mental, emotional and behavioural concerns in children and adolescents, reflecting the importance of early recognition and support.
Incluzun specialises in finding the right Learning Support Assistant (LSA) for the right child. For anxiety and emotional regulation support, our LSAs work with families, schools, teachers, inclusion teams and therapists so that agreed goals are practised consistently across the school day. The aim is meaningful progress, confidence and independence, not dependence on adult support.
Need LSA support for your child? Contact Incluzun: [email protected] | 056-5000-830.
Remember, inclusion is a journey, not a destination.