Part of getting the most of any child’s education is creating an environment where they *want* to go to school. Their own desire to get an education is an important part of helping them learn how to manage their emotions, focus, maintain control, and continue their academic success as best as possible.
When a child has ADHD, it’s not uncommon for them refuse school – for them to come up with excuses to avoid getting that education, or even cry at the idea of going to class. It’s a challenge when any student has that struggle, but those with ADHD may be even more at risk.
Why?
Most of the reasons for school refusal are going to be similar for those with ADHD as it is for those without, but the issue is that those with ADHD are at higher risk for these specific issues. For example:
- Bullying/Peer Issues – Children with ADHD may be more at risk for being picked on by peers, which in turn can lead to school refusal.
- Poor Emotional Regulation – All children are developing emotional regulation skills, but those with ADHD may be more likely to suffer from poor emotional regulation, which in turn means that they’ll be at higher risk for this issue in class.
- Academic Problems – Children that are already having academic problems or feel like they’re falling behind may want to avoid going to school, worried that they’ll feel even more out of place.
All children are at this risk, but these are more common in children with ADHD.
In addition, there are ADHD specific risks that a child may struggle with. Risks that may make them even more likely to want to refuse school. For example:
- Overload and Exhaustion – Children with ADHD may have such a difficult time cognitively trying to manage their emotions, focus, and more, that it may be significantly overwhelming, resulting in them feeling cognitively exhausted and wanting nothing more than to stay home.
- Rejection Sensitivity – Children with ADHD may suffer with what’s called “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria” which may make them particularly sensitive to feelings of rejection, something that can happen often at school when a child has ADHD.
- Stronger Emotions – It may not be that the child is specifically struggling in a different way with school. It may also be that, when they’re preparing to go to school, they feel especially upset. ADHD comes with emotional regulation issues, so the act of getting ready for school can mean that a little bit of anxiety feels like a significant amount of anxiety.
Children that feel they’re getting disciplined too often, or are worried about how they’ll do academically are going to be more likely to refuse school. Parents, also, can accidentally reinforce the behavior. If your child acts sick to get out of school, and you struggle to notice that they’re avoiding school so you keep them home, you may accidentally make it appear as though that behavior can work, increasing the risk of them doing it again.
Addressing School Refusal Early
Helping a child through school refusal isn’t just about addressing their ADHD, although that is important. It is also about helping them with peer relationships, anxiety, depression, and other issues they may be struggling with.
That is why it is worthwhile to partner with a therapist that focuses on these things and can help your child through their mental health holistically. The sooner one addresses school refusal, the better, to avoid reinforcing the behavior or potentially having a child that falls behind. If you’re ready to get started, please reach out to Right Path Counseling, today.
