Free Webinar: Recognising Signs of Stress, Anxiety and Emotional Overload in Children

Why is recognising stress in children early important?

When stress and anxiety are noticed early, adults can respond before difficulties begin to affect a child’s learning, friendships, family life, and confidence. Early, consistent support helps children build coping skills and a sense of safety, and ensures that children who need more specialised help are referred at the right time.

The Developing Child Centre (TDCC) is hosting a free online webinar for parents, caregivers, and educators on recognising and responding to stress, anxiety, and emotional overload in children.

Children rarely say “I feel anxious.” Instead, stress often shows up in behaviour, sleep, appetite, routines, or how a child copes with everyday demands. Some children become withdrawn and quiet; others become irritable, tearful, or overwhelmed by situations they previously managed. These signs are easy to miss or misread.

Led by Emy Preskilla, Occupational Therapist at TDCC’s 360 Therapy Department, this session looks at children’s emotional wellbeing through a practical, everyday lens: how stress affects a child’s regulation, participation, and daily functioning at home and at school, and what supportive adults can do to help.

Who is this webinar for?

This webinar is designed for parents, caregivers, teachers, learning support staff, and anyone who supports children day to day and wants to better understand how stress and anxiety can present in childhood.

Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1) Recognise common signs of stress, anxiety, and emotional overload in children, including less obvious signs such as withdrawal, avoidance, and changes in routine.

2) Understand how stress can affect a child’s emotional regulation, sensory responses, behaviour, and participation in daily activities.

3) Distinguish between typical, short-term reactions to stress and patterns that may benefit from further professional support.

4) Apply practical, supportive strategies that help children feel safe, calm, and understood at home and in the classroom.

Know when and how to seek guidance from a qualified professional.

About the Speaker

Emy Preskilla is an Occupational Therapist with five years of clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, and neurodevelopmental care. She is a recipient of the Vijay Supple Award for Best Scientific Paper in Mental Health (AIOTA) and is trained in Autism intervention, Cognitive Rehabilitation, and Primitive Reflex Integration. Emy brings a holistic, evidence-based perspective to her practice, aligned with TDCC’s mission of inclusive, child-centred care.