KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Misreading Faces

More and more research is going into how kids interpret the facial expressions of others.  Now, researchers are finding out that those kids who have a hard time reading other people's expressions seem to be the kids who are picked on or bullied the most.  Researchers at Emory University report that children suffering from extreme social anxiety often misinterpret facial expressions... many times confusing angry faces with sad faces.  They simply have a hard time reading other children.  While socially anxious children long to interact with others, they often get turned away, but never really knowing why.  Therapists say these children tend to become invisible because it is safer than becoming visible and being awkward.  That's why researchers are working to develop better diagnostic tools and interventions to help kids with behavioral disorders master the skill of non-verbal communication.  There are therapies to help kids practice interacting with their peers.  And, experts say it is important for parents to encourage their kids to be open about what's bothering them... and not to keep their anxieties inside.  Talking about their issues is actually good practice and good therapy.  And as always, parents are encouraged to contact their school's counselor if they notice their child suffering socially.