Understanding Emotionally-Based School Non-Attendance

Your child's struggle is real

The frantic scramble for lost homework, the tearful pleas for "just five more minutes," the sudden onset of a mysterious stomach ache—every parent knows the morning routine can be a battlefield. But what if the resistance to school goes beyond a dislike for early mornings or a tough math test? This is where Emotionally-Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) comes in.

EBSNA isn't your typical skipping class scenario. It's a complex issue where emotional difficulties make attending school genuinely challenging. Imagine the weight of anxiety pressing down, making the prospect of tests, presentations, or even navigating the school hallways feel utterly overwhelming. Fear, low mood, and even social anxieties can all contribute to EBSNA, turning the school environment from a place of learning into a source of intense stress.

What’s EBSNA? I’ve heard it called EBSA?

So I guess this is a preference thing. My view is that school avoidance makes it sound like the young person has more agency and awareness in this situation than they realistically have. It also sounds like a judgment hidden in there.

If a young person is struggling to attend school, and struggling to explain why, it is likely to have a medical or mental health component—this is non-attendance.

What are the triggers?

While the reasons behind EBSNA are unique to each young person, some common culprits emerge:

1. The crippling grip of anxiety: Test anxiety, fear of presentations, or even social anxieties around lunch and recess can turn a seemingly normal day into an emotional rollercoaster. I wrote some newsletters on what this looks like in children and teenagers.

2. The bully's shadow: Being bullied or feeling unsafe at school can make every step through the school doors feel like walking into a minefield. Young people might struggle to tell you what is going on. This isn’t unusual.

3. The frustration of falling behind: Struggling to keep up with classwork, feeling misunderstood, or having an undiagnosed learning difficulty can be incredibly demotivating and lead to school avoidance.

4. The weight of the world: Family issues, problems with friends, or even a recent loss can create a heavy emotional burden, making school seem insignificant in comparison. If there is a lot going on at home or in your wider family life, it might not just be you that is feeling the impact.

Does neurodivergence play a role here?

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be even more susceptible to EBSNA. Sensory overload from crowded hallways and noisy classrooms, difficulty with social cues and unspoken rules, and challenges with organisation and time management can all turn the school experience into a constant state of stress. This is worsened when a young person does not understand the causes of their difficulties, struggling to verbalise them, and the adults in their life are not aware of a diagnosis.

Empowering Parents: Tools for Support

So, what can parents do to help their child navigate EBSNA? Here are some key strategies:

1. Building a Bridge of Communication: Open and honest conversations are crucial. Talk to your young person about their worries and anxieties. Let them know you understand and are there to support them, no matter what. Don’t probe for information—let them know you’re on their side, and ready to listen.

2. Teaming Up with the School: Don't hesitate to reach out to teachers, SENDCo, Pastoral Team in school—there might be a Mental Health Support Team within the school, and leadership can advise you of this. Share your concerns and work together to develop a plan that addresses your child's specific needs. This might involve reasonable adjustments in the classroom, allowing extra time for tests, and connecting your child with a trusted adult within the school. You might also want to work with the school to put in a needs assessment.

3. Celebrating the Small Victories: Focus on the positive! Celebrate school successes, no matter how small they may seem. Did your child participate in class discussion? Did they get a good grade on a homework assignment? Acknowledge their efforts and build their confidence.

4. Equipping Young People with Coping Mechanisms: Help children develop tools to manage anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and fidget toys can be powerful allies in calming school-day stresses.

5. Seeking Professional Help: If your child is struggling, don't be afraid to seek help from a mental health practitioner. They can provide specialised support to address underlying emotional issues and develop coping strategies.

You are not alone

EBSNA is a complex issue, and there's no magic bullet solution. With understanding, open communication, a collaboration between parents and schools, and access to professional support, you can help your child navigate school anxieties and find their path to academic success. Remember, there are many resources available to help. Organisations like Anna Freud offer valuable support and information. My colleagues over at Mental Wellness Centre do some amazing work on parental and familial mental health.

And what can schools do?

Schools also play a vital role in supporting students with EBSNA. Here are some ways schools can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment:

1. Early Intervention: Schools shouldn’t wait for absences to pile up before addressing issues. Staff should be able to identify early warning signs of EBSNA, such as anxiety around specific subjects or social situations.

2. Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Integrate social and emotional learning programs into the curriculum. Help students understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop coping mechanisms for stress. Help them become aware of when things are going wrong so they can seek help if they need it.

3. Building a Culture of Safety and Support: Implement clear anti-bullying policies and enforce them consistently. Foster a climate of kindness and respect where students feel comfortable seeking help from teachers or other adults in the school.

4. Build a culture of awareness around identifying neurodivergence: Staff should be aware of and feel confident in identifying the signs of neurodivergence in students who do not have a formal diagnosis, and having confident conversations with parents and carers about whether they want to pursue a diagnosis.

5. Build a culture of acceptance around neurodivergence: A lot of students who are struggling with EBSNA already have a formal diagnosis and might be struggling despite this. Schools need to work imaginatively with these students. Work with them to identify solutions to their anxiety, rather than presenting them with a menu of options that might not work for them.

Can you help me?

I hope so. I am a qualified coach and trainee therapist with experience of working with emotionally-based school non-attendance. I also have a special interest in working with ADHD and autism. Whatever your concerns, let’s talk about them and find a way forward.

Please get in touch:

Final thoughts

EBSNA is a serious issue that can significantly impact a child's education and well-being. However, the good news is there's help available. By working together, parents, schools, and mental health professionals can create a supportive environment that empowers students to manage their anxieties and thrive in school. The impact on the wider family cannot be underestimated either. It’s hard, I get it.

Here are some key takeaways:

• EBSNA is different from skipping school. It's rooted in emotional difficulties that make attending school genuinely challenging.

• There are common triggers like anxiety, bullying, academic struggles, and personal problems.

• Neurodivergent young people may be more susceptible to EBSNA.

• Open communication, collaboration between parents and schools, and access to professional support are crucial.

• Schools can create a more welcoming environment through early intervention, mental health awareness programs, anti-bullying policies, and fostering a culture of acceptance for neurodiversity.

You're not alone in this journey. With understanding, patience, and the right resources, you can help your child navigate school anxieties and achieve academic success.

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