Supporting Students with School Attendance Challenges: A Collaborative Guide for Educators, Families and Therapists

By Monica L. Mandell

For some students, school is not a place of growth and opportunity--it is a source of overwhelming anxiety and distress. Behind every empty desk lies a complex story of a child who often feels unseen, unheard, and disconnected from the school community. This illuminating book reveals the hidden world of school-avoidant students through an attachment-theory lens. These are not simply "truant" children making defiant choices--they are young people whose emotional dysregulation has led them to withdraw as a survival strategy. Drawing from extensive research and real-life cases, this volume offers deep insights into the psychology of school avoidance, providing practical strategies that honor student autonomy and self-determination, along with inspiring stories of successful reengagement and healing. Whether you are a concerned parent, dedicated educator, or school mental health professional, this guide provides a roadmap for reconnection. By understanding the true nature of school avoidance, we can build the supportive environments these students need to return to learning with dignity and hope.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1041222157
• ISBN13: 9781041222156
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 108 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"