If your child repeatedly misses school, complaining they feel sick, are tired or need extra time to finish an assignment, then you might be dealing with school refusal. Kids avoid school for many reasons and often need a thorough assessment to determine and properly treat the cause. They also need to practice attending school (exposure therapy) and learn to manage well in the school setting instead of opting for online school if they are to grow up resilient.
Successful treatment involves returning to school as quickly as possible when the onset is acute. Chronic school refusers may need a more gradual return to school. Identifying and addressing the cause of school refusal is a must, whether it be an anxiety disorder, academic failure, perfectionism, social dilemmas or lack of social or academic connection in the school. Our staff will work in the home, school or community and closely coordinate with school staff to help your child overcome the barriers to their attendance. We will work closely with parents to help you improve the way you support your child’s return to school.