Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in children, and are significantly elevated in neurodivergent populations such as those with autism and ADHD. They can present as generalised worry, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, or selective mutism - and often look different in children with developmental differences. SpecialCircle Research summarises the latest evidence on adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure approaches, medication research, and parent-supported strategies - helping families understand what works and when to seek help.
Early research
This genomic study explored the genetic roots of hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking (excoriation disorder) in families, finding connections to genes involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Source: Translational psychiatry
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in children, and are significantly elevated in neurodivergent populations such as those with autism and ADHD. They can present as generalised worry, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, or selective mutism - and often look different in children with developmental differences. SpecialCircle Research summarises the latest evidence on adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure approaches, medication research, and parent-supported strategies - helping families understand what works and when to seek help. SpecialCircle Research summarises studies from PubMed, NIH, FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov in plain language for parents. This is not medical advice.
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