Common worries neurodivergent young people may have
Many children and young people feel anxious about starting high school, but they may not always express their worries clearly. Instead, concerns may appear as irritability, withdrawal, or reluctance to talk about school.
Common worries include:
- Getting lost in a large school building
- Being late to lessons
- Remembering timetables or where to go next
- Forgetting books, equipment or homework
- Understanding unfamiliar rules and expectations
- Being different from peers
- Being teased or bullied
Concerns that may seem small to adults can feel very significant to a young person, especially when they affect their sense of competence, belonging and safety.
Parents often notice stress indirectly through behaviour changes such as:
- Increased irritability
- Avoiding conversations about school
- Difficulty sleeping
- Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches
Listening carefully to these signals can help identify concerns early.
