Anxiety and School Avoidance with Kristen McNeely, LMFT

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael dive deep into the complex issues of school refusal and anxiety, particularly in children with ADHD. Joined by expert Kristen McNeely, they explore the critical differences between school avoidance and school refusal—what triggers these behaviors, and how can parents effectively respond? Are well-meaning accommodations actually reinforcing anxiety? As they unravel the misconceptions surrounding anxiety management, listeners will discover actionable strategies to support their children and learn why collaboration with schools is essential. Listen to learn what steps can parents take to prevent school refusal from becoming a long-term issue.

Find Kristen @ kristenmcneely.com & on IG

Find Mike @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.grownowadhd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Find Ryan @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adhddude.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠

[00:00:00] Start

[00:01:15] School refusal and anxiety.

[00:05:01] ADHD and school refusal connection.

[00:08:35] Family accommodations for anxiety.

[00:12:14] Accommodating children's anxiety misconceptions.

[00:15:10] SPACE therapy for childhood anxiety.

[00:20:49] Home environment for school refusal.

[00:21:40] Competitive reinforcers and school avoidance.

[00:25:34] School refusal and virtual learning.

[00:30:25] Enlisting supporters for school refusal.

[00:32:22] School refusal is treatable.

[00:35:40] ADHD resources and support.