WHEN "TRY HARDER" FAILS: Bridging School, Home, and Team to Resolve Persistent School Avoidance for Individuals with ASD

Telling a struggling student to simply push through school avoidance often worsens the cycle of anxiety and distress. In this webinar, we look beyond the assumption of laziness or bad behavior to examine the true root causes (functions) of school refusal from sensory overload and neurodivergent masking to social fear and executive dysfunction. You will learn how to adapt the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process specifically for internalizing, anxiety-driven behaviors, pinpointing exactly what a student is trying to escape or cope with. Finally, we will explore practical, multi-disciplinary strategies that bridge home routines, school accommodations, and clinical supports to build gradual, sustainable re-entry plans that rebuild student confidence and attendance.