School Can't / School Refusal
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
What's behind it?
- Anxiety, social anxiety, generalised anxiety, or separation anxiety
- Autism or sensory differences, the school environment can be genuinely overwhelming
- ADHD or learning difficulties, finding the academic or organisational demands of school very hard
- Bullying or difficult social experiences at school
- Low mood or depression
- Trauma or significant life events
- School transitions, starting a new school, moving to high school, or returning after a break
How can psychology help?
It may include:
- Understanding the specific drivers of your child's school-based distress
- Building coping and anxiety management skills
- Developing a gradual, supported return-to-school plan in collaboration with the school
- Addressing co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or learning difficulties
- Parent guidance on how to respond in ways that reduce distress and support engagement
- Direct liaison with the school to ensure appropriate support is in place
- Coordination with GPs or paediatricians where relevant
This varies significantly depending on the severity of the difficulty, how long it's been going on, and what's driving it. A gradual approach is almost always more sustainable than a sudden return. Your psychologist will work with you and the school to develop a realistic, achievable plan.
How quickly can we expect a return to school?
What role does the school play?
The school is a critical partner in supporting return to attendance. Our psychologists work closely with schools to ensure appropriate adjustments are in place, including flexible attendance plans, check-in systems, safe spaces, and reduced pressure during the transition back.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child has already been out for a long time?
It's never too late to seek support. Longer absences do require more careful planning, but with the right help, children and teens can and do return to school, and go on to thrive. Please reach out, we're here to help.
Ready to get started? Book an assessment or give us a call. we're happy to chat about what support might look like for your child.
Behind every success story, there’s a passionate support team.
The Spectrum Therapy team is as diverse as they come — speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and therapy assistants. They’re not just experts, they’re the secret sauce behind our whole-child approach.
OUR SERVICES
A peek inside our most popular programs
We offer more services, including intensives and other specialised programs.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO ALL OUR SERVICES
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Occupational therapy
Navigating the physical world is more than just playing on the monkey bars! OT helps teach essential life skills, like writing, using the bathroom, dressing independently, and emotion regulation and sensory difficulties.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Speech therapy
Many of us take communication for granted, but its subtleties can be tricky for others. Our speech-language pathologists help your child master these language nuances and develop their social skills.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Psychology Therapy
Therapy can benefit anyone, but for individuals with autism, it can be transformative. We provide a safe space to address big emotions, helping your child find calm, clarity, and confidence.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Diagnostic and Functional Assessment
A diagnosis is more than a label. It’s an explanation. Understanding your child’s diagnosis is the first step to unlocking the right support and resources they need.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Social Connection Programs
There’s no better way for your child to master friendship skills than in an interactive setting! This gives your child a fun and engaging opportunity to practise social interactions in a supportive environment.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Masterclasses For Parents
Sick of endless Googling and second-guessing? Our self-paced masterclasses empower you with the tools to support your child's unique needs and become the parent you've always wanted to be.
TAKE OUR CLINIC FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH THIS FREE GUIDE
5 Ways to Help Your Child Regulate Big Emotions
Feeling overwhelmed trying to help your little one with big feelings? This FREE comprehensive guide, packed with evidence-based tools, covers everything from environment to sensory strategies, giving you practical support you can use right away.
RESOURCES YOU’LL FIND HELPFUL
How We Help
Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to unlocking your child’s potential and supporting their journey.
