Social Anxiety
What does Social Anxiety mean?
Social anxiety is an intense feeling of worry or distress that comes up in social situations, often tied to fears around being judged, making mistakes, feeling embarrassed, or not knowing what to expect from others. For autistic children, social anxiety may show up as avoiding social gatherings, becoming overwhelmed before or after interactions, or needing a lot of reassurance in new or unpredictable social settings. Social anxiety is different from shyness — it can genuinely get in the way of a child's ability to connect with others, participate in school, or enjoy everyday activities.
Why this term matters
Recognizing social anxiety in an autistic child is important because it can look similar to other autism-related experiences but may benefit from specific strategies or professional support. Letting your child's school and therapy team know about social anxiety can help them create more welcoming, lower-pressure environments and adjust expectations in ways that help your child feel safe.
Canadian context
Support for social anxiety in children may be available through school counsellors, community mental health programs, or referral to a psychologist or therapist, though options and wait times vary by province or territory. Eligibility for any funded services is decided by the program administrator, so it may be worth asking your family doctor or pediatrician about referral pathways in your area.
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