2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The Expert: Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), or School Psychologist. The Strategy: Cognitive Restructuring for Academic Anxiety.
If your child freezes during tests or calls themselves "stupid" after a mistake, they aren't being dramatic. They are experiencing a valid biological stress response to a world that wasn't built for them. By age 10, many bright children with dyslexia develop "Academic Anxiety" because they care deeply about doing well but constantly face hurdles.
Why It Works: Changing the Narrative
Research from 2025 confirms that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool for this specific group. A 12-week program was shown to significantly reduce academic anxiety in children aged 9–13 with learning differences.
The Shift: Therapy doesn't just say "don't worry." It teaches your child to catch the automatic negative thought ("I can't do this because I'm slow") and replace it with an objective truth ("I read slowly because of my dyslexia, but I understand the concepts perfectly").
The Result: It breaks the cycle of shame. Your child learns that anxiety is just a wave they can surf, not a sign that they are incapable.
Directives for Home & School
The "Mock Exam" Technique: One effective strategy used in therapy is "Exposure." You can simulate a low-stakes test at home (set a timer, sit at a desk) to let them practice staying calm. This desensitizes the brain to the "threat" of testing so they can access their knowledge when it counts.
Validate, Don't Dismiss: When your child says, "I'm scared," avoid saying, "You'll be fine." Instead, say, "I know tests are stressful for you. That makes sense. Let’s take three deep breaths together." Validating their reality builds trust and resilience.
