School refusal is a problem that is stressful for children, for their families and for school personnel. Failing to attend school has significant long-term and short-term effects on children's social, emotional and educational development. School refusal is often the result of, or associated with, co-morbid disorders such as anxiety or depression. Careful assessment, treatment planning and management of school refusal are critical to a successful and quick return to school. Treatment may include educational support, cognitive therapy, behavior modification, parent/teacher interventions and pharmacotherapy.

This online program will break down the distinction between truancy and school refusal. Completing all modules will assist participants in performing a functional analysis of school refusal to determine the motivation and particular reinforcement systems that support the behavior.The course will examine a number of psychological disorders that may be causing or be co-morbid with school refusal, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social phobia, panic attacks, major depression, dysthymia, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. The latest treatment approaches will be reviewed with a focus on tailoring and adapting standard approaches to specific situations. Lastly, participants will be given the opportunity to review several case studies and think of sample treatment plans for cases of school refusal.