Special Education Legal Fund Presents: School Refusal & Avoidance Webinar

Special Education Legal Fund Presents: School Refusal & Avoidance Webinar

Parents, educators, and mental health professionals are invited to participate in a vital free webinar focused on the increasing issue of school refusal and avoidance among children and adolescents. The webinar, titled “School Refusal & Avoidance,” will be held on December 3 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Registration is free at: https://bit.ly/SELFWebinarSchoolRefusal

This dynamic, solutions-focused webinar on School Refusal and School Avoidance brings together a multidisciplinary panel to help families and schools better understand, respond to, and support students struggling to attend school. Moderated by S.E.L.F. Staff Attorney Laura Sullivan, this discussion will feature expert insights from a neuropsychologist, Dr. Erin Micali, special education attorney Meredith Braxton, special education advocate Mary Waghorne, and Head of Fusion Fairfield School Amanda Sylvester.

This webinar was developed with input from leading specialists in child behavior and education. Its goal is to equip attendees with practical tools, strategies, and insights to support young people who are struggling to engage with school. Topics will include understanding the root causes of school refusal, recognizing key warning signs, collaborating with school systems, supporting emotional well-being, and creating pathways for a meaningful return to education.

“School refusal is more than just reluctance – it can be a serious sign that a child is experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, or other underlying difficulties,” said S.E.L.F. Staff Attorney Laura Sullivan. “Our goal is to create a supportive space where families and educators can learn actionable approaches and feel empowered to move forward.”

Participants will gain from expert presentations, interactive discussions, and shared resources. This workshop is designed for parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, and other professionals engaged in the care and education of children.

The Special Education Legal Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy grants and educational resources to families of children with disabilities. S.E.L.F. is committed to promoting equitable access to special education services and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about S.E.L.F., please visit https://spedlegalfund.org or contact Laura Sullivan at laura@spedlegalfund.org