Ep. 14: School Refusal

In today’s episode, I want to discuss school refusal—a complex issue I’ve encountered both as a parent and as a psychologist. School refusal presents in many forms, and it is more common among neurodivergent children and those with learning disabilities. Today, I’ll explore the reasons behind it, approaches to help, and practical advice for parents.

What factors might contribute to school refusal? Could it be school-related issues such as a general dislike of school, friendship difficulties, or even bullying? Might strong friendships act as a protective factor? Could learning challenges, language disorders, sensory sensitivities, ADHD, or autism also be potential causes?

When it comes to addressing school refusal, is collaboration between teachers, parents, and students essential? How can we ensure children feel safe and supported at school? Should we focus on identifying and addressing the underlying challenges? Is open communication a key part of the solution?

In those moments when a child refuses to go to school, should we try to understand their anxiety-based responses? Can staying calm, breaking tasks down into manageable steps, and offering comfort and empathy help in these situations?

I’ll be answering all of these questions in a helpful and insightful way, so let’s dive into today’s episode.

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