School avoidant behavior is defined as a refusal to attend school or difficulty engaging in school for the entire day. Since the pandemic, school avoidance has increased in all age groups, and has negatively impacted kids and teens academically, socially, and emotionally. Presentations range from young children with separation anxiety to more severe instances where a student refuses to attend school entirely. The more chronic the condition (the longer the refusal behavior continues), the more challenging it becomes to return the child to a regular school schedule.

Dr. Aimee Kotrba will provide an overview of the causes, signs and subtypes of school refusal and academic avoidance. Participants will understand what tools they need to assess, plan, and develop strategies for helping children return to school and engage in schoolwork successfully. Through a combination of an expert-led presentation, interactive activities, and discussion tasks, participants will gain insight into the most effective interventions and explore best practice when dealing with school refusal/avoidance. Participants will gain the tools and knowledge necessary to help students achieve success on their return to school.