School Refusal Support Resources
What is School Refusal?
A sign of distress, not defiance
School refusal happens when a child or young person feels unable to attend school. It’s often misunderstood as laziness or misbehaviour, but in reality, it’s usually a sign of emotional distress, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or feeling unsafe in the school environment. This behaviour is not about being “difficult.” It’s a way of saying, “I’m not coping right now.” With understanding, patient support, and collaboration between families, schools, and services, children can feel safe again and gradually rebuild positive connections with learning.
School refusal looks different for everyone
Some children openly express fear or anxiety about school, while others may develop stomach aches, headaches, or become withdrawn on school mornings. For some, refusal is sudden; for others, it develops slowly over time. Every child’s experience is unique. Identifying the specific triggers, whether sensory sensitivities, social pressures, learning challenges, or past negative experiences is key to creating meaningful support.
Support should reduce pressure and build safety
Forcing or punishing a child to attend school can increase fear and distress, making school refusal worse. Real support involves listening, reducing demands, and working collaboratively with educators to create safe, calm, and supportive pathways back to school life. With consistent understanding and tailored plans, children can regain confidence and return to learning in a way that feels safe for them.
Championing Children with School Refusal
School refusal is a cry for help, not misbehaviour. We work alongside children, families, and schools to understand the “why” behind refusal and create gentle, practical steps toward feeling safe and supported in education again.
Gradually rebuilding confidence
We develop gentle re-engagement plans that allow children to return to school step-by-step, without pressure or fear.
Creating safe, supportive school environments
We work with schools to reduce stressors, adjust routines, and create spaces where children feel secure.
Strengthening communication and trust
We guide families and schools in open, respectful communication that reassures children they’re heard and supported.
Supporting emotional regulation and coping tools
We teach calming techniques and strategies to manage anxiety or overwhelm before and during school days.
Collaborating with educators and allied professionals
We work closely with teachers, psychologists, and support workers to ensure consistent, compassionate care.
How we can help with School Refusal
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand underlying anxiety and distress
Practical strategies to support calmer mornings and reduce conflict
Guidance for carers to build trust and emotional safety at home
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to identify barriers to learning and participation
Recommendations for school accommodations and supportive services
NDIS planning to include behaviour support or educational therapy
Skill-Building and Confidence Support →
Coaching for social skills and managing school-based relationships
Support to develop problem-solving and self-advocacy skills
Tools to improve self-esteem and comfort in school settings
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that address triggers making school attendance difficult
Gentle, step-by-step strategies to gradually reintroduce school safely
Training for teachers and carers to respond with understanding and consistency
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to help manage fears, separation anxiety, or school-based stress
Emotional regulation and coping tools for challenging situations
Trauma-informed approaches to rebuild confidence and resilience
Regional Intensives →
In-home support for remote families to manage school avoidance
Practical strategies delivered in natural environments
Collaboration with local schools to ensure consistent support
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.