Truancy or wagging is an anti-social behaviour where the young person skips school and the family and school are unaware. School refusal is not ‘wagging’ or truancy; in this case, non-attendance is related to worry or anxiety about going to school. School Refusal Behavior in Students with Intellectual Disabilities 17 and Comorbid Disorders in Japan: A Brief Review 3. It’s important that we act early and empathetically in order to create a more positive school experience for affected children. It is defined as a “child-motivated refusal to attend school or difficulty attending classes or remaining in school for an entire day”. The pattern of rejecting school isn’t the same for every child. Strategies To Reduce The Risk Of School Refusal Find Ways To Reduce Anxiety In School. If your child isn’t currently attending school because the school cannot meet your child’s special educational needs, the school and/or your local authority should be looking to provide the correct provision as soon as possible. Often anxiety is at the heart of school refusal. School refusal behavior in youth: a functional approach to assessment and treatment. This behavior is differentiated from non-child-motivated absences in which parents who withdraw children from school or keep them home, or circumstances such as homelessness. Relevant to an understanding of school refusal, we initially review some important developmental-normative considerations. If your child is refusing to go to school, this is known as ‘school refusal’ or ‘school phobia’. Hansen C, Sanders SL, Massaro S, Last CG. Picking up the early warning signs. anxiety, depression, learning or social challenges, bullying, difficulties at home, etc. Prolonged goodbyes in the playground may become difficult, so plan an exit strategy with the school staff, and stick to it, despite the upset that might ensue. School refusal is not classified as an independent diagnosable disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), but school refusal is often linked to separation anxiety, social anxiety, general anxiety disorder or depression (Source: Ingles, C.J., Gonzalvez-Macia, C., Garcia-Fernandez, J.M., Vicent, M., & Martinez-Monteagudo, M.C. What is school refusal and how do I deal with it? We then describe a number of behavioural strategies that have been used in the management of school refusal. School refusal behaviours range from repeated missing of classes, to regular absences from school and to extended periods of time away from school. School refusal was first identified in the 1930s, when psychiatrists noticed a difference between school refusers ... Research to identify effective school refusal strategies that work for children, parents and mainstream schools. “School refusal is a complex issue as there’s rarely a single cause. Intervention Strategies for School Refusal Team Approach. 26-1) Sec. An Australian study prepared by Youth Support Coordinators highlights the increased likelihood of school refusal during periods of transitions, such as the move from primary to high school or the move from one school to another (2009). We also suggest strategies to try at home and school to help maintain school attendance or reintegrate your child back into school. An Approach to Supporting Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder 19 and High Anxiety to Re-Engage with Formal Education – The Impact on Young People and their Families 4. School refusal is a complex phenomenon that has been subject to definitional and diagnostic confusion. Show your child that you understand. Intervention Strategies to Engage Students and Parents Struggling with School Anxiety School Refusal Patrick McGrath Phd School Anxiety / School Refusal Program Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital . 26-1. School refusal can occur at any time during a young person’s schooling, however it is more likely to occur during high school. 3. 6-12 Longitudinal studies indicate that, if left unaddressed, school refusal behavior can lead to serious short-term problems such as distress, academic decline, alienation from peers, family conflict, and financial and legal consequences. Setting up an informal meeting to address home and school concerns is often the best first step. School refusal isn’t just a child whining about yet another long day at school. 122, par. Recognize that depression often coexists with school refusal. Verify where the student’s anxiety about returning to school stems from. I know it’s hard, but you need to go. Downloadable Resource: Coping Strategies for Supporting Students . It may be linked to separation anxiety, worries about leaving home, a phobia, depression, social problems or learning difficulties. 3. Be sure that a complete physical examination has been conducted to eliminate any organic cause for somatic complaints (stomachache, nausea, etc.). School refusal is when young people ‘can’t’ rather than ‘won’t’ go to school. School refusal can be downright distressing for kids and their parents. The student could be concerned about contracting COVID-19 or she could be experiencing social anxiety after being away from her peers for most of the year. 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