7 years old: Socialised Behaviour Therapy Success for Child Social Anxiety

At daar, we believe that every child deserves the skills to connect, play, and thrive. Social interactions can be complex, and for some children, the Playground is a source of anxiety rather than joy. This case study highlights the transformative power of socialised behaviour therapy in helping a young client move from isolation to confident participation.

Leo (name changed for privacy) is a bright and energetic 7-year-old who enjoys building complex Lego structures and reading about dinosaurs. He lives with his parents and younger sister. While academically advanced, Leo struggled significantly with social interactions.

Presenting Issues:
Leo’s parents contacted daar after noticing he was becoming increasingly withdrawn. At school, he would play alone during recess. When peers attempted to join him, he would often freeze or react with sudden outbursts of frustration, lacking the tools to communicate his need for space or his desire to play.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was Leo’s inability to navigate the unwritten rules of social engagement. His social anxiety manifested as rigid behaviour; if a game didn’t go exactly as he planned, he would have a "meltdown," leading to exclusion by his peers.

Impact at School and Home:

• School: Teachers reported that Leo was isolated. His outbursts were disrupting the classroom, and he was beginning to refuse to go to school on interaction-heavy days (like sports days).
• Home: The frustration from school followed him home. Leo became reactive with his sibling and struggled with emotional regulation, leaving his parents feeling helpless and worried about his long-term development.

We honestly didn't think we'd see Leo running onto the Playground with a smile. The change isn't just in his behaviour; it's in his happiness. The team at daar gave us our happy boy back.

daar Therapy Approach

Our team at daar implemented a tailored socialised behaviour therapy plan. Unlike traditional talk therapies that might focus on the "why" of the anxiety, our approach was action-oriented and skills-based. We focused on the "how"—teaching Leo practical tools for the here and now.

Methods Applied:

• Modelling and Role-Playing: In clinical sessions, therapists used role-playing to simulate Playground scenarios. We modelled specific skills, such as how to ask to join a game, how to handle losing, and how to read non-verbal cues.
• Positive Behaviour Support: We implemented a reinforcement system. Leo earned tokens for specific brave behaviours, such as making eye contact or using a calm voice when frustrated.
• School Collaboration: We worked directly with Leo’s school to apply these strategies in the classroom. Teachers were equipped with "cue cards" to discreetly remind Leo of his coping strategies before social breaks.
• Small Group Socialisation: Once Leo mastered the basics one-on-one, he transitioned into a small behaviour therapy for children group at daar, allowing him to practice in a safe, controlled environment.

Results and Progress

The progress over six months was remarkable. By shifting the focus from "fixing" Leo to "upskilling" him, we saw a rapid reduction in anxiety and an increase in participation.

Measurable Improvements:

• Increased Initiation: Leo now initiates play with peers independently 3 out of 5 days a week, up from 0.
• Reduction in Outbursts: School reports indicate a 90% reduction in behavioural incidents during unstructured play times.
• Emotional Regulation: Leo successfully uses "break cards" to self-regulate when he feels overwhelmed, rather than acting out.

Key Outcomes

This case study illustrates that child behaviour and progress are deeply linked to having the right toolkit.

• Skill Transfer: Leo successfully transferred skills learned in therapy to the schoolyard.
• Parental Empowerment: His parents now feel equipped with positive behaviour support strategies to manage challenges at home.
• Social Confidence: Leo has formed two consistent friendships at school, a major milestone for his social development.

Did you know? Research indicates that early intervention using behavioural social skills training can improve social competence in children by over 75%, significantly reducing the risk of long-term social anxiety.

Conclusion

Social challenges do not have to define a child's future. As seen with Leo, socialised behaviour therapy provides a structured, supportive pathway to unlock better health and confidence. By focusing on actionable skills and positive reinforcement, we can help children navigate their world with ease.

If you are concerned about your child's social interactions or behaviour, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Ready to unlock your child's potential?
Contact daar today to discuss how our specialised behaviour therapy programs can support your family.