Early help / school refusal
3 answers /
Last post: 27/12/2022 at 7:26 pm
Hi
My 13 (nearly 14) year old son…just diagnosed with ADHD.. has started to totally refuse to go to school…hasn’t been for over a month now. He has never enjoyed the learning aspect of secondary school, loves his friends..
unfortunately the teachers have not been very helpful or understanding with him…they constantly removed him from the classroom and put him into isolation which he found humiliating ..he now has severe anxiety re school.
But refuses any help ie counselling, GP etc
We have been asked by the school..if we want an early help assessment.. which I feel sceptical about, as I don’t want to be involved with Social Services.. as I manage fine with every thing else, just need some help getting him back to school. But not sure if this is the right path…
will they be able to help?
any advice, any one had a positive experience With early help? Or any other suggestions?
thanks x
Hello - school refusal by teenagers is such a tricky situation and can leave parents feeling really powerless. I would say give the early help assessment a go. You will probably be allocated a family support worker who can try to help you break down what is happening with your son and also advocate for you to the school to come up with a reintegration plan and to make sure he has support around his ADHD and any other needs (which might need to be assessed further). If your son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD then perhaps the CAMHS team or Paediatrician involved with that can also be part of that? Even if your son won't speak to the GP directly, could you book a telephone consultation or appt yourself to discuss it? While you are waiting for support, if possible try to keep your son in a healthy and consistent routine if at all possible (mealtimes, exercise etc). Stay strong and good luck.
Hello - school refusal by teenagers is such a tricky situation and can leave parents feeling really powerless. I would say give the early help assessment a go. You will probably be allocated a family support worker who can try to help you break down what is happening with your son and also advocate for you to the school to come up with a reintegration plan and to make sure he has support around his ADHD and any other needs (which might need to be assessed further). If your son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD then perhaps the CAMHS team or Paediatrician involved with that can also be part of that? Even if your son won't speak to the GP directly, could you book a telephone consultation or appt yourself to discuss it? While you are waiting for support, if possible try to keep your son in a healthy and consistent routine if at all possible (mealtimes, exercise etc). Stay strong and good luck.
EHA are proven to help children who may be refusers. SS is not usually involved and a quick Google of EHA in your area may provide helpful info.
It is a process to keep the child on track by support depending on need like support with health, pastoral needs, courses, mh, anxiety counselling. Support within the family if needed. Ways to support and improve communication to manage the problem to keep a child in education.