Understanding Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in childhood. Yet many children struggle for months or years before anyone recognises what’s happening. As a paediatric occupational therapist in Malta, I work with many anxious children — and what I see is that anxiety often shows up in the body before it shows up in words.
A child might not say “I feel anxious.” Instead, they refuse to go to school, melt down over small changes, complain of tummy aches, or cling to parents. Understanding these signals is the first step.
Signs of Anxiety in Children
Anxiety looks different at different ages, but here are some common signs I look for:
- Frequent worrying or asking “what if” questions
- Avoidance of new situations, places, or people
- Physical complaints: headaches, stomach aches, feeling sick before school
- Sleep difficulties — trouble falling asleep, frequent waking, nightmares
- Irritability and emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate
- Difficulty separating from parents
- Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
- Seeking constant reassurance
If several of these sound familiar, your child may be experiencing anxiety. That doesn’t mean something is terribly wrong — but it does mean they need support.
The Sensory Connection to Anxiety
Here’s something many parents don’t know: sensory processing and anxiety are closely linked. Children who are hypersensitive to sensory input — noise, touch, light, crowds — have nervous systems that are already working hard. Loud environments, scratchy clothing, or unexpected changes can push them into a state of overwhelm very quickly.
This isn’t a behaviour problem. It’s a nervous system response. And it’s one of the reasons occupational therapy is so effective for anxious children.
Conversely, some children seek intense sensory input — crashing, spinning, chewing — as a way to regulate a nervous system that feels dysregulated. Understanding whether your child is over- or under-responsive to sensation helps us choose the right calming strategies.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Anxious Children
OT doesn’t just treat motor skills. It supports children’s ability to participate in daily life — and anxiety is a significant barrier to that participation. Here’s how I approach anxiety in my Malta practice:
Sensory Integration Therapy
By providing carefully graded sensory experiences — proprioception, vestibular input, deep pressure — we help regulate the nervous system from the bottom up. A regulated nervous system is less reactive and better able to cope with stress.
Building Interoceptive Awareness
Interoception is the sense that tells us what’s happening inside our bodies — hunger, heartbeat, tension, butterflies. Many anxious children have poor interoceptive awareness. They don’t notice anxiety building until they’re already overwhelmed. OT helps children tune into early body signals so they can act before reaching crisis point.
Teaching Practical Coping Strategies
I work with children to build a personalised toolkit of calming strategies. These are concrete, sensory-based tools they can use independently in real situations.
Graded Exposure Through Meaningful Activity
When anxiety causes avoidance, we use gentle, graded exposure through activities the child enjoys. We build confidence slowly, celebrating each small step.
A Calming Toolkit: Practical Strategies for Home
Here are strategies I regularly teach children and families across Malta:
Breathing Techniques
- Balloon breathing: Breathe in slowly to “inflate” your tummy like a balloon, breathe out slowly to deflate.
- Box breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat.
- Starfish breathing: Trace the outline of your hand slowly as you breathe in and out.
Sensory Calming Tools
- Heavy blankets or weighted lap pads: Deep pressure is naturally calming for the nervous system.
- Fidget tools: Squeezing, pulling, or manipulating something in the hands releases tension.
- Chewy snacks or chewing gum: Oral proprioception is very regulating.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: For children overwhelmed by auditory input in busy environments.
Movement Breaks
Physical movement is one of the most effective anxiety regulators available. Wall push-ups, jumping jacks, carrying a heavy backpack, or a quick walk can shift a dysregulated nervous system remarkably quickly.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If anxiety is significantly affecting your child’s daily life — school attendance, friendships, family activities, or sleep — it’s time to seek support. Early intervention is always better than waiting.
As a paediatric OT, I can assess your child’s sensory profile, identify triggers, and develop a practical plan to help them cope more effectively. Where needed, I collaborate with psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other professionals to provide holistic support.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, contact us at +356 99872936 or visit wonderkids.mt to book an assessment.