Downside to being an expat child in UAE

Sara Powell and Andrew C Wright say in extreme cases, depression and high anxiety can be the symptoms of Expat Child Syndrome.

Moving to a different country can be an exciting time for many. In today's fast-paced society, we often witness families relocating to pastures new in search of the perfect life. But the move can take its toll on some family members - particularly children.
With more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE, summer doesn't only see the onset of soaring temperatures. It also sees a surge in the number of people repatriating back to their home country, or arriving to start a fresh life in the desert.
Adjusting to life back home or engrossing oneself in a different culture can be unsettling for children, and psychologists and therapists often dub this term Expat Child Syndrome (ECS).
"ECS can be seen to manifest itself when a child is moved from one culture to another (moved abroad) and lack a willingness to amalgamate themselves into their new environment," Sara Powell, Art Psychotherapist at Art Therapy International Centre (Atic) Dubai, tells Khaleej Times.
Each child treats the transition differently and has different coping abilities and strategies, though she says some children may require "further support to adapt to change healthily."
So how does ECS affect a child's psychology?
"There are pros and cons to being an expatriate child. Children are exposed to new cultures and diversity, which is positive. However, culture shock tends to be a root cause for much of the turmoil behind moving for young children," Powell says.
Identity and identity formation can also be challenging, with many children exhibiting symptoms associated with depression and high anxiety in extreme cases.
This can result in the child becoming more reclusive as they refuse to acclimatise themselves to the new environment, she adds. But the transition can be beneficial, too.
"If the change is handled well, it can help them develop confidence."
For Dubai therapist Andrew Wright, the move to a new school is one of the most challenging steps for expatriate children.
"The child will be faced with the unknown in a more structured environment. Expectations will be different and they will naturally be anxious about making new friends."
But if the child adapts well in this new environment, both socially and academically, it can be crucial for future social and academic development.
 
Who is at risk?
ECS is more likely to occur in rooted children (those who are groundly rooted in their previous home and location).
Children suffering from pre-existing psychological problems such as ADHD, ADD, depression, anxiety and autism, are also at risk.
When it comes to the age of a child, there is no particular age group deemed more vulnerable.
Powell says young children may find the transition scary because it is new and different, however older children may fight the prospect of moving as they are comfortable and stable where they are.
For parents concerned for their own child, spotting the signs can be difficult. "It really is dependent on the child's personality. Parents should watch out for changes in the child's personality as an indicator of ECS; however, this is difficult if the changes are subtle, as certain age groups are in a developmental stage as well as hormonal and physical changes."
You can cushion the psychological impact of ECS by telling your child in advance of the changes to come.
And seeking psychological support such as counselling, art therapy, talking therapies, or working with the child or adolescent individually can also help.
"Long-term effects without psychological support for acute challenges related to ECS are depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm, difficulties forming and sustaining health relationships, school refusal and decline in academic achievements."
- kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE

Kelly Clarke

kelly@khaleejtimes.com