School Refusal & School Anxiety
Occasional difficult mornings are common. But when distress, physical complaints, lateness or refusing to attend school becomes a pattern, a child may need additional support. School refusal is not always defiance or a lack of motivation — it is often connected to anxiety, bullying, friendship difficulties, academic pressure, learning challenges, separation concerns, depression, perfectionism or fear of making mistakes.
Parents may notice
- Crying, arguing or refusing to get ready
- Frequent stomachaches, headaches or nausea
- Difficulty sleeping before school days
- Increased anxiety on Sunday evenings
- Repeated visits to the school nurse
- Frequent absences, tardiness or requests to go home
- Panic, anger or emotional outbursts before school
- Fear of tests, assignments, teachers or classmates
- Declining grades or unfinished schoolwork
- Avoiding friends, activities or extracurricular programs
How therapy can help
Our therapists work with children, teens and parents to understand what is making school feel overwhelming. Treatment is individualized to the child’s age, circumstances and specific needs.
- Identifying the source of school-related distress
- Managing anxiety and physical symptoms
- Developing coping and emotional-regulation skills
- Building confidence and problem-solving abilities
- Reducing avoidance patterns
- Improving communication between children and parents
- Creating manageable steps toward consistent attendance
- Supporting parents through difficult school mornings
With written authorization, therapists may collaborate with schools, pediatricians and other professionals involved in the child’s care when clinically appropriate.
Common questions
Is school refusal the same as truancy?
Will you work with my child’s school?
You do not have to figure this out alone
Whether you know exactly what your child needs or simply sense that something has changed, we can help you decide on the next step. Call, or request a consultation and we will reach out.