School Refusal...

Does your child / adolescent refuse to go to school? If so, they may be experiencing something called "school refusal." It is a term used to describe signs of anxiety a school-aged child / adolescent may experience. It is also known as "school avoidance" or "school phobia." It is more common than you may think and can be seen in a young child going to school for the first time, an adolescent or child who may fear that something bad may happen to them or a loved one if they are at school, or a child who is distressed about leaving their parent.

School refusal may present as physical symptoms such as a stomach ache or headache, anxiety, depression, or irritability in the morning. The causes of school refusal are numerous and may include separation anxiety or situational factors such as a recent residential move, a new sibling, illness in the family, divorce, a recent death in the family, etc.

If you think your child or adolescent is experiencing school refusal, contact me so that we can discuss your situation and see if I may be able help.