School Refusal: Interactive Parent Workbook
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Welcome to Your School Refusal Journey

🏠 What is School Refusal?

School refusal is a child-motivated refusal to attend school or difficulty remaining in class, accompanied by emotional distress. It's important to understand that this is not simply "playing up" - it's a genuine psychological response to stressors.

💡 Key Facts for Australian Parents

  • ✓ Affects children from preschool through Year 12
  • ✓ Occurs across all Australian states and territories
  • ✓ Different from truancy - your child experiences real distress
  • ✓ Early intervention leads to better outcomes
  • ✓ With right support, most children return to regular attendance

🎯 How This Workbook Helps

This interactive workbook uses the scientifically-proven functional analysis approach to help you:

  • Understand the specific reasons behind your child's school refusal
  • Choose the most effective intervention strategies
  • Track progress and adjust approaches as needed
  • Access Australian-specific resources and support

Is It School Refusal? Key Signs

🔍 Quick Assessment Checklist

Check all symptoms that apply to your child:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Headaches or stomach aches on school mornings
  • Symptoms improve when school is not mentioned
  • Sleep difficulties or nightmares about school
  • Panic attacks or extreme anxiety

Emotional & Behavioral Signs:

  • Crying, tantrums, or pleading not to go to school
  • Extreme clinginess to parents
  • Withdrawal from family activities
  • Mood changes when school is discussed

Morning Routine Issues:

  • Extreme difficulty getting ready for school
  • Hiding or refusing to get dressed
  • Missing bus or "forgetting" school items repeatedly

🆚 School Refusal vs. Truancy vs. School Phobia

Characteristic School Refusal Truancy
Parental Awareness You know where they are Often unaware of absences
Emotional State Anxious, distressed Indifferent, defiant
Physical Symptoms Common, improve at home Rare

Function Assessment Tool

🎯 Discover Your Child's Primary Function

Rate each statement from 0 (Never True) to 6 (Always True) based on your child's behavior:

Function 1: Avoiding Negative Feelings

Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0

Function 2: Escaping Specific Situations

Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0

Function 3: Getting Attention

Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0

Function 4: Accessing Rewards at Home

Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0
Never Sometimes Always
Value: 0

Understanding the Four Functions

Function 1: Avoiding Negative Feelings

Age: Usually younger children (5-10)

Signs: General complaints, anxiety, somatic symptoms

Says: "I don't feel good" or "School makes me sad"

Function 2: Escaping Situations

Age: Usually older children (11+)

Signs: Specific fears, social anxiety, performance concerns

Says: "I can't do the presentation" or "Everyone will laugh"

Function 3: Getting Attention

Age: Usually younger children

Signs: Tantrums, clinginess, separation anxiety

Says: "I want to stay with you" or "Please don't leave me"

Function 4: Accessing Rewards

Age: Usually teenagers

Signs: Enjoys home activities, oppositional behavior

Says: "School is boring" or "I'd rather be home"

🔍 Important Notes

  • Many children have a mixed profile with multiple functions
  • Functions can change over time as situations evolve
  • Understanding the function helps choose the right intervention
  • Professional assessment may be needed for complex cases

Tailored Intervention Strategies

Complete the Function Assessment to see personalized intervention strategies for your child.

Daily Progress Tracking

📅 Daily Log Entry

Very Upset Neutral Very Happy
Mood Level: 5
Very Low Moderate Very High
Stress Level: 5

📊 Weekly Progress Summary

Start logging daily entries to see your progress summary here.

Crisis Support & Emergency Resources

🚨 Immediate Emergency

If your child is in immediate danger or talks about self-harm:

Call 000 (Emergency Services)

Or go directly to your nearest hospital emergency department.

📞 Crisis Helplines

Lifeline: 13 11 14
24/7 crisis support

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
For ages 5-25 years

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Depression & anxiety support

🏥 Mental Health Services

NSW: 1800 011 511

VIC: 1300 792 977

QLD: 13 43 25 84

WA: (08) 9224 8888

SA: 13 14 65

TAS: 1800 332 388

👨‍⚕️ Professional Support

Find a Psychologist:
psychology.org.au

Medicare Rebates:
Available with GP referral

NDIS Support:
1800 800 110

🏫 School Support

Contact your child's:

  • Classroom teacher
  • Year coordinator
  • School counsellor
  • Principal/deputy

⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch For

  • ✓ Talks about self-harm or suicide
  • ✓ Extreme behavioral changes
  • ✓ Panic attacks lasting over 30 minutes
  • ✓ Aggressive or violent behavior
  • ✓ Refusing to eat or drink
  • ✓ Signs of psychosis (hearing voices, seeing things)

🛡️ De-escalation Techniques

✅ DO:

  • Stay calm and breathe deeply
  • Lower your voice
  • Validate their feelings
  • Give them space if needed
  • Use comforting tone

❌ DON'T:

  • Argue or reason during crisis
  • Make demands or threats
  • Leave them alone if unsafe
  • Rush or pressure them
  • Take their words personally

Australian Resources & Support

🏛️ Government Services

Medicare Mental Health:
Up to 20 psychology sessions per year

NDIS:
Funding for eligible children

Centrelink:
Family support payments

📚 Education Support

Distance Education:
Available in all states

Home Schooling:
Registration required

Special Provisions:
Academic accommodations

👥 Support Groups

Beyond Blue Forums
Online community support

PANDAS Australia
Anxiety-focused support

Local Parent Groups
Face-to-face meetings

⚖️ Advocacy Services

CYDA:
Children & Young People with Disability

State Advocacy:
Disability advocacy services

Education Appeals:
Formal complaint processes

📋 Your Personal Resource Contacts

Fill in your key contacts for quick reference:

Medical Team

School Team

💡 Quick Tips for Success

  • ✓ Early intervention leads to better outcomes
  • ✓ Consistency between home and school is crucial
  • ✓ Small steps forward should be celebrated
  • ✓ Professional support is available and effective
  • ✓ You are not alone in this journey
  • ✓ Recovery is possible with the right approach

🌟 You've Got This!

Remember: School refusal is treatable, and with patience, understanding, and the right support, most children successfully return to regular school attendance.

Your love and commitment to your child's wellbeing are the foundation of their recovery.

This interactive workbook is based on evidence-based functional analysis approaches to school refusal.

© 2025 School Refusal Support - Australian Edition