Yep, agree with Master of None that you should consult a specialist dealing with anxiety disorders. I would absolutely not wait the summer out and seek treatment privately ASAP...while asking the school district to coordinate with this expert.

Oftentime 'simple phobias' (which just mean having a phobia in one specific area...not that they are actually SIMPLE) can easily grow to other phobias, trigger panic attacks, more serious social phobia, and sometimes agoraphobia (not wanting to go out and about), which is incredibly debilitating.

Teaching your DD a regulated series of relaxation techniques could be life-changing for her, and the school probably just doesn't have the expertise for such (just like they don't specialize with bipolar mania management or other specialized mental health issues).

I would use the summer to help her manage her anxiety as much as possible...not by avioding the issue, but by getting tools to cope with it. In the long run, having her work to tolerate the anxiety-causing issue (whatever it may be) will be a huge success for her and for future potential phobias (say she starts to become afraid of food, or water, or windows leading to open spaces, all crippling phobias I've seen in my clients).

Med therapy can be a helpful tool in clients who cannot even tolerate the initial anxiety of systematic desensitization. Most studies with adults conclude that medicine and SD/cogB therapy have pretty equal success results, with the therapy edging the medicine out long-term.

Effective meds for anxiety, usually SSRI's, take some time to get up to therapeutic level. Generally 4 weeks, but sometimes 6-8 weeks depending on dosage adjustments. So, another reason not to wait if you go that route.

I'm sure you know this, but really try to sheild your DD from your own anger/anxiety/frustration with the school issue. It's amazing how kids can pick up on even our subtle cues. They look to us to know when danger is signaled, precisely why my DS5 gets nervous during tornado season (as I have a friend who's house was demolished in one last year...and it's got me on edge).

You sound like an amazing advocate for your DD.

Last edited by Evemomma; 06/24/12 11:32 AM.