Even though it is recognized that children learn in any social and exposure setting, learning in a structured educational environment continues to provide the highest potential for academic success. Yet, many factors influence school attendance, from frustration and difficulties with learning to complex mental health challenges.
School attendance is a fundamental expectation and foundational competency for children and adolescents. Youths who complete high school, a critical developmental milestone during adolescence, are more likely to experience tremendous success at social, academic, occupational, and economic aspects of functioning in their lifetime than youths who do not complete high school.
Conversely, youths with problematic school absenteeism are at risk for lower academic performance and achievement, lower reading and mathematics test scores, fewer literacy skills, internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems, grade retention, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and eventual dropout. In addition, short-term consequences of school absenteeism include significant child stress, declining academic status, social alienation, increased risk of legal trouble, family conflict, severe disruption in a family's daily functioning, potential child maltreatment, lack of parent supervision, and financial expense (Kearney, 2016).
Various risk factors have been researched as an indicator for school refusal. Here are a few of the most common indicated factors.
We use a mixed CBT and NVR approach to school refusal, consisting of an interview and assessment phase, followed by treatment in the form of parent training.
A good indication of the severity and persistence of refusal behaviours is needed before an action-plan can be constructed
I strongly believe that no one should be pressured to decide whether or not they want to work with a therapist before meeting them. I will see you (and your child) at no charge to make sure we are a good fit for each other. Every therapist works in their own unique way so I want you to be certain you feel comfortable with the way I work. The initial meeting is not a therapy session; it’s designed to be low-key and low-pressure with no “hard sell” at the end.
Social anxiety is a common concern for children and adolescents, characterized by a persistent and excessive fear of social situations. Learn how to prevent anxiety from turning into school refusal.
School Refusal: Which signals can you recognize early, and how do you deal with them?
More than just therapy, it’s a place to grow.
We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.
