Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: By age nine, Mateo is already missing opportunities to develop some of the very skills he needs most to be successful in life. Bright, curious, and eager to do well, school rarely feels easy. ADHD makes it difficult for him to sustain attention, stay organized, and persist when tasks become challenging, while anxiety and periods of low mood further magnify these struggles. Over time, Mateo has begun avoiding assignments and social situations where he fears making mistakes. In doing so, he is also avoiding opportunities to practice problem‐solving, build confidence, and learn that he can succeed even when tasks are difficult. The adults around him care deeply about his well‐being, but some wonder whether school is simply “not his thing.” Wanting to protect his self‐esteem, they encourage activities that feel safer and more rewarding while avoiding additional demands in areas that cause distress.
DOI: 10.1002/cbl.30985
Author: Christopher J. Anzalone
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7221333872