Social Anxiety in Children & Teens
Fear of judgment, speaking in class and social avoidance
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team — our Speech & Language Therapist, psychology and ABA staff. Clinical reviewer for this site: Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · The current version of this page has not been individually signed off by our clinical reviewer.
Social anxiety: your next step in Multan
Discuss the situations your child avoids and the activities they would like to take part in. Ask what support can be offered alongside school or family changes.
First consultation: Rs 1,500 · up to 50 minutes. Model Town, Multan · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM. Ongoing therapy is planned and priced separately.
Our psychology service works with children and teenagers aged 3–16. We do not prescribe medication or provide emergency psychiatric care.
Contact Muhammad Salman Afzal, clinical and child psychologist, first to confirm the appropriate clinician and service. How fees work.
Social anxiety involves fear of being watched, judged or embarrassed. For a child or teenager, it may centre on answering in class, joining a group, meeting unfamiliar people or asking for help. It is more than preferring quiet company when fear is restricting everyday life.
A search for social anxiety counselling in Multan often begins with a practical problem: “My child knows the answer but cannot speak in class.” Start with that experience. A consultation can explore the anxiety and whether psychological support, school changes or a different assessment would be appropriate.
This page focuses on fear of judgment. For worry across many unrelated situations, see generalized anxiety. If your child speaks comfortably in some places but consistently cannot speak in others, read about selective mutism and discuss it with a professional.
Situations that may prompt a conversation
- Avoiding classroom participation, parties or meeting new people because of fear
- Worrying about an interaction before it happens and repeatedly reviewing it afterwards
- Feeling sick, trembling or becoming very tense when others are watching
- Not asking a teacher for help despite needing it
- Social fear interfering with friendships or attendance
Planning a first consultation
- List a few situations your child finds difficult and a few where they feel comfortable. This helps explain the pattern without requiring a rehearsed account.
- Discuss one meaningful participation goal, such as asking a trusted teacher for help. The goal does not need to be becoming outgoing or enjoying large groups.
- Ask about the clinician’s experience with anxiety and age-appropriate CBT. Gradual practice may be part of an agreed plan; it should not be replaced with surprise demands to perform.
- Bring school feedback where available, and ask how parents and teachers could support the plan. Tell the clinician about bullying or other reasons the setting may actually be unsafe.
A consultation is not a public-speaking test. Tell the centre before your appointment if speaking to someone unfamiliar is particularly difficult, so you can discuss the format and who should attend.
What the research tells us
These independent clinical sources inform this guide. They do not certify the centre or confirm which specialist treatments are available here.
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NIMH describes social anxiety as fear in situations involving possible scrutiny or judgment, which can interfere with school and relationships.
— NIMH — Social Anxiety Disorder. View source -
NHS guidance distinguishes social anxiety from shyness and describes CBT and age-adapted support involving parents or carers among treatment approaches.
— NHS — Social anxiety. View source
Social Anxiety: questions parents ask
Does being shy mean my child needs therapy?
No. A quiet temperament is not itself a disorder. Seek advice when fear causes significant distress or prevents your child doing things they want or need to do.
Is social anxiety the same as poor social skills?
Not necessarily. A young person may know what to say but feel too frightened to say it. Ask whether the assessment points toward anxiety support, skills practice or another explanation.
Can we start by contacting you in writing?
Yes. The WhatsApp and booking links let you draft a message and review it before sending. You do not need to include a detailed personal history in your first enquiry.
Can the first appointment be online?
Ask the centre whether an online consultation is suitable for your child’s age, needs and current situation. Availability and suitability should be confirmed before booking.
How do we arrange a consultation in Multan, and what does it cost?
Contact the owner, Muhammad Salman Afzal, to confirm the appropriate clinician and appointment. A first consultation is Rs 1,500 for up to 50 minutes. The centre is in Model Town, Multan, and opens Monday to Friday, 2 PM–6 PM. Ask about ongoing fees and whether an online consultation is suitable before booking.
Ask about social anxiety support
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM
Explore social anxiety
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