remodel in progress for 2026-2027 school year!
School Refusal
When getting to school - or staying there - has become a struggle.
School avoidance may look like refusing to get dressed, crying before school, physical complaints, repeated nurse visits, early pickups, or missing school.
1.WHERE DOES THE ROUTE BREAK DOWN?
Tap the point where your child's day becomes difficult.
Before School
Can't sleep, wont get dressed, crying, meltdowns, physical complaints.
Leaving Home
Refuses to leave, wont get in car, wont board bus.
Arriving at School
Won't exit vehicle, distress at drop off, attempts to leave
Entering Class
Avoids a specific class, teacher, peer, or setting.
During the Day
Nurse visits, calls home, hiding, elopement, escalation, shutdown.
Staying all day
Repeated early pickups, unable to complete day.
Night
Distress begins at night or intensifies after a hard day.
2.WHAT SIGNS ARE YOU SEEING MOST?
EMOTIONAL
Anxiety, crying, panic, fear, anger, feeling overwhelmed.
BEHAVIORAL
Refusal, hidding, aggression, avoiding tasks, destroying items.
PHYSICAL
Headache, upset tummy, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, other complaints.
SCHOOL SIGNALS
Nurse visits, counselor visits, bathroom use, calls home, frequent early pickups.
3.WHAT COULD BE CONTRIBUTING?
SAFETY CONCERNS
Feels unsafe, threatened, or worries about harm.
BULLYING
Being targeted, teased, or excluded.
LEARNING DEMANDS
Work feels to hard, confusing, or overwhelming.
SENSORY/ ENVIRONMENT
Noise, crowds, transitions, lights, temperature.
COMMUNICATION
Hard to express needs, ask for help, or be understood.
REGULATION/ BEHAVIOR
Big emotions, low frustration tolerance, needs support.
HEALTH/ DISABILITY NEEDS
Medical conditions, sleep, pain, or disability-related needs.
RELATIONSHIPS
Peer conflict, friendship, stress, or adult relationship challenges.
TRANSITION/ CHANGE
New school, grade level, schedule change, or unexpected events.
4. WHAT MAY BE GETTING MISSED?
ATTENDANCE SHOWS WHAT NOT WHY.
Attendance is information it does not explain cause.
PATTERNS THAT REVEAL THE WHY
By looking at patterns, we can identify the root cause and underlying needs.
WHICH SUPPORT COMES NEXT
Once we understand the why, we can request the right supports, services, and accommodations.