Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Processing Disorder School Refusal

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Sensory Processing Disorder School Refusal

Jeanette Loftus

School refusal is when a child refuses and resists going to school. It can be a very serious problem that affects a lot of children and their families. There are many different reasons that can cause children to refuse to go to school. It can be connected often with children who struggle with sensory processing disorder.

Children with sensory processing disorder can experience sensory overload in a school setting and this can be very distressing for children which can make school a place they try to avoid. There are a lot of common causes for children to have school refusal. A child may be experiencing sensory issues at school that can lead to a child feeling overwhelmed, making school unbearable for them.

There are many fears that come along with going to school for many children. Children can fear social interaction or bullying at school. Difficulties with knowing their school work or being able to keep up with their school work load can cause them a lot of stress and anxiety.

There are a lot of signs to recognize school refusal. Some children will have headaches or stomachaches and other children will have excessive worrying, panic attacks or intense fear talking about school. Most children will tell lies to to not go to school.

You may notice that your child is keeping their distance from other students while at school or they may have no interest in school activities or they choose to spend more time alone. Most parents notice their child will have behavioral changes because they usually become are more irritable, aggressive, defiant or they notice they are not doing as well academically.

Parents can identify what causes their child to refuse to go to school with some help from their child's therapists. Therapists can help with support and strategies to address your child's needs. They can assist you to slowly introduce your child back in school.