Looking for advice

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My 9 year old son is non verbal but very intelligent. He reads at higher level and answers comprehension problems by typing, he also understands maths and science with minimal teaching. He picks up what his older brother study and learns it perfectly. He answered the year 5 sat exams 100%. However, he has very high anxiety and he told me that anytime he is requested, his heart rate increases a lot and he becomes agitated. What can I do to help him reach his potential?

Give him time and a safe place to develop his skills by himself.
Maybe ask him what he would like to do or learn about.
Start him off very simple and don't worry if it takes time him to figure it out.
But, if he can do something, arrange to let him do more if you can afford it.
Many things are cheap these days if you know where to shop.

Many people suggest anxiety free environments. This can be helpful.

However, in life one may have to learn how to manage anxiety. A parent can be helpful by guiding a child through an anxiety producing environment by verbally assuring the child and afterwards helping the child recognize and appreciate his accomplishment. Helping the child to recognize the source of anxiety and manage it can help build confidence in management skills.

For example it is not uncommon to have anxiety in a situation that requires conversation. The rate at which ideas are to be considered and responses to be selected can amplify anxiety. The child might be encouraged to select and alternative means of communication such as writing that may provide enough time to reply before the next subject is to be considered.

Agree with Tim. Preset communication choices and alternative methods can be very helpful. I would see if your son is open to exploring this.

In general, I advocate taking away any stressful environmental factors that do not have to be there. Then find a way to bridge into things that are necessary, but difficult. That's when you can find a way around something, or a way to do something with an accommodation.

Sometimes when I have a specific problem, I come here and bounce it off of people. There are many unique thinkers here and people are unusually kind for an internet space. It's a good place to figure an alternate solution to many situations.