Why school Anxiety spikes in the spring-And what actually helps

Why does my Black autistic or anxious child’s school anxiety get worse every spring, and nothing the school suggests actually helps? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Spring is when many of our kids’ anxiety spikes, and the usual school advice is not made for Black and brown neurodiverse families.

For children with an autism or anxiety diagnosis, the end of the year is a pressure cooker. Family fears, generational trauma, and the constant push for our children to “just toughen up” make it even harder.

This episode breaks down why standard strategies miss the mark, how anxiety really works in the body and mind, and what Black and brown families can do differently to support self-worth and resilience in their kids instead of just telling them to get over it. KEY TAKEAWAYS Anxiety is not just worry, it’s a leftover fear response the body holds onto even when your child isn’t in danger.

Black and brown parents pass down protective anxiety for good reasons, but it can keep our children feeling unsafe and alone at school. You have the right to ask teachers and counselors for specific ways to support your child’s anxiety, not just vague “calming” tips.

Naming, instead of shaming, anxiety helps talking about it openly removes the blame from both child and parent, especially in families with a history of trauma. Helping kids notice their own strengths and giving them real agency in problem-solving is more powerful than trying to control every anxious moment for them.

EPISODE QUOTES "Anxiety comes with all our other problems, right. It's like, attached to them, and it doesn't really separate from anything because it's so connected to our biology, our mind, our emotions, and really our spirituality, too." — Jodi "When you build that self-trust, you really are healing that trauma.

Like our epigenetics says that, you know, when things happen to us, it does change or affect our DNA."— Jodi "The anxiety does not protect us, right? That's important to know."— Jodi LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Anxiety...I'm So Done With You (book by Jodi Aman) — A book for teens on understanding and managing anxiety — TEDx Wilmington Talk by Jodi Aman — Explains how kids can access sustainable power over anxiety — Jodi Aman’s blog and classes — Parenting, anxiety, and emotional resilience resources — FROM GENIE : The Parenting Cipher Beacon Library — Gahmya Drummond-Bay's Love Connections program — Middle School Matters book — Rescue the School Year Youtube video for more tips to end the school year strong: CONNECT WITH JODI : Website- Instagram — ABOUT JODI Jodi Aman helps young people and families manage anxiety with practical steps that center on self-worth and resilience, not just symptom control.

She is a therapist and author who uses more than 20 years of experience to show kids and parents how to find their own agency and power. Her book, “Anxiety...I’m So Done With You,” and her speaking work provide direct tools for families, especially those whose needs are overlooked in mainstream mental health.

For Black and brown parents raising neurodiverse kids, Jodi’s approach offers validation and strategy beyond “just calm down.” 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success.

Book a complimentary strategy session here , download your free guide “ Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid ”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here . Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together!

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