In this episode, I tackle the tough issue of school refusal, especially for kids with OCD. I discuss the challenges parents face when their children refuse to go to school, exhibiting behaviors like crying, faking illness, and being generally uncooperative.

I provide insights on why kids with OCD struggle more in school, often leading to parents considering homeschooling, a solution I strongly advise against. I emphasize the importance of early intervention with an OCD specialist, detailing my therapy approach and the process of working with schools to support these kids.

I also share strategies for gradually reintroducing children to school and creating a supportive environment at home, including maintaining a healthy sleep routine, nutritious breakfast, and a reward system. Finally, I offer practical advice on managing OCD behaviors that interfere with school and stress the significance of collaboration between therapists and schools to ensure better educational outcomes.

01:10 Understanding OCD and School Struggles

02:07 The Pitfalls of Homeschooling for OCD

03:36 The Importance of Early Treatment

04:26 Therapy Options and Approaches

07:14 Recognizing School Refusal Signs

10:58 Strategies to Combat School Refusal

20:28 Creating a Supportive Environment

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