Exploring Strategies to Combat School Refusal
By Motheo Mabamba
School refusal causes difficulty attending school or staying in class. Difficulty in adapting to the school environment can lead to difficulty in classroom activities and withdrawal from social interactions. This article will explore different strategies that can help a child on the autism spectrum to feel more comfortable and confident at school.
1. Reinforcements and Praise
One of the effective ways to overcome school refusal is using reinforcements. Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh
recommends using reinforcements as a tool to motivate children. Positive reinforcements include
praise (e.g. high fives, applause, or saying “good job”) and small incentives, such as walking the dog
after school, getting a treat at the end of the week, or visiting the park on a Wednesday instead of
waiting until the weekend. However, Dr. Granpeesheh also warns against overusing this method, as it
may lead to the child becoming overly reliant on external rewards. Instead, a balanced approach that
combines reinforcements with consistent, natural encouragement can foster motivation without
creating dependence on rewards. Over time, this can help the child develop internal motivation to
participate in school activities.
2. School Facilitation
School facilitation involves having a classroom assistant that will encourage your child to participate in discussions in the classroom and to interact with their peers during break time. Having a facilitator will minimize the stress and anxiety. The Star Academy offers facilitation services which include a tailored approach that will help reduce frustration and anxiety which may lead to school refusal. The team at the Star Academy are experts in working with children with developmental delays and children who struggle with adaptability.
3. Applied Behaviour Analysis
Applied Behavioural Analysis is a therapy approach which focuses on minimizing problematic behaviour through structured interventions. This approach is effective in addressing school refusal as it includes using relevant principles to encourage adaptive behaviours while reducing negative behaviours. It is relevant in school refusal as it helps with building the child’s tolerance to school- related activities. This is an intervention that the Star Academy uses to assist children in and out of the school setting. The Star academy will work closely with the child, the school and the parents to create personalized goals and reinforcement strategies to combat school refusal and achieve classroom participation.
4. Collaborative Problem Solving
Sometimes, the root cause of school refusal lies in specific challenges the child is facing at school, such as difficulty with academics, social interactions, or sensory overload. Collaborating with the child to identify these challenges can be an essential step in developing an effective solution. Problem-solving strategies may involve open conversations with the child to understand their feelings and experiences at school. This could lead to practical adjustments in the school environment, such as sensory breaks, peer support systems, or personalized learning approaches. By involving the child in the process, they are more likely to feel empowered and invested in finding solutions that work for them.
School refusal can be a challenging issue, but with a combination of strategies tailored to the child’s individual needs, it’s possible to support them in overcoming these difficulties. By implementing techniques like consistent reinforcement, school facilitation, ABA, gradual exposure, collaborative problem solving, and social skills training, parents and educators can help children on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable and confident in their school environment. With patience and persistence, these strategies can guide the child towards successful school participation and greater overall well-being.
