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Refuses school or struggles with attendance
Avoids new or unfamiliar situations
“Freeze/withdraw” response rather than acting out
Often described as “sensitive” or “worrier”
Parent Language: "My child shuts down when things feel hard."
Frequent emotional outbursts at home
Big reactions to small frustrations
Difficulty with transitions or limits
Often “good at school, hard at home” or vice versa
Parent Language: "We never know what will set them off."
Fear of making mistakes
Overthinks everything
People-pleasing or anxious compliance
Internalizes distress (not always disruptive)
Parent Language: "They worry about everything and are very hard on themselves."
Emotional regulation challenges
Social overwhelm
Rigid thinking or difficulty shifting tasks
May or may not have ADHD/anxiety label
Parent Language: "They just seem overwhelmed by the world."
"I worked directly with James as a colleague for over a year. He gets to know his patients well and is always interested in coordinating care for their best psychological improvement. He engages with kids from childhood through adolescence and gives appropriate and motivating guidance that is appropriate for developmental ages and stages. He has innovative ideas about involving youngsters in social groups and learning to express their best selves and build better peer relationships."
- Dr. Elisabeth Winterkorn M.D., F.A.A.P, Children's Medical Office, North Andover, MA
Mental Health and Counseling Services
179 Great Road, Suite 102, Acton, MA 01720
978-206-1889
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