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Help looking for some advice - school avoidance

Jamborie

Hi,

I have a teenage daughter who was diagnosed with autism earlier this year. Her main difficulty is attending school. Although she says she wants to go to school, when it comes to it she just becomes so anxious that she can't do it. It happens most days, with the response being 'go away mum,' pulling the covers over her head and staying in bed. I find it really difficult to know what is part of her autism and what is 'typical teenage behaviour'?? 

I have read the information on demand avoidance but I've got to say that reducing demands on someone to attend school is extremely difficult. It suggests indirect communication but can anyone give me an example of this when trying to get a child into school?

Does anyone have any advice about what has worked for them/their children?

Thank you    

Parents

  • This seems to be a very difficult situation for the both of you. Does she know what exactly makes her this anxious? If there are certain issues (I’m finding myself being overwhelmed sensory wise and bullying, verbally, socially and physically, was also a big issue at one point) you might want to sit down with her and the school authorities to work on a solution. It might also be of great value for her to have a less stressful schedule in the beginning of reintroducing her to school (e.g. going everyday but for less lessons or going full time but only thre days a week).

Reply

  • This seems to be a very difficult situation for the both of you. Does she know what exactly makes her this anxious? If there are certain issues (I’m finding myself being overwhelmed sensory wise and bullying, verbally, socially and physically, was also a big issue at one point) you might want to sit down with her and the school authorities to work on a solution. It might also be of great value for her to have a less stressful schedule in the beginning of reintroducing her to school (e.g. going everyday but for less lessons or going full time but only thre days a week).

Children
  • in reply to Emmalephant

    She doesn’t want to go when other pupils or teachers are around. She wants to only go at a very specific time which school cannot accommodate as she wants to meet a specific person to take her in. School have suggested a shorter week and not even to think about lessons, just to try and get her in the building but do far that hasn’t worked. I feel the longer she avoids it the worse it is going to become.