Attendance Doesn’t Equal Wellness: Rethinking Support for Young People in School

Hello everyone,

Welcome to this month’s blog! As a clinical specialist occupational therapist working in mental health, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges many young people face when it comes to attending school. This month, I want to dive into a crucial topic: attendance doesn’t equal wellness.

Understanding the Struggle

We’re seeing an increasing number of young people coming into our clinic who are struggling to attend school. While attendance is often viewed as a sign of wellness, this assumption can be misleading. For many, simply being present in the classroom does not equate to feeling well or being engaged. We need to focus on regulation and wellness instead!

The Depth of Experience

It’s vital to understand the depths of a young person’s experience in school. For those in the neurodivergent community or those experiencing high levels of anxiety, the traditional school environment can feel overwhelming. Our work in the clinic supports not only the individual but also their parents as they navigate this complex landscape.

A Systematic Approach

Rather than solely pushing for attendance, we should be looking at the broader educational system. How can we adapt school environments to better support neurodivergent students? It’s essential to consider how we can create spaces that nurture their needs, allowing them to flourish just like their neurotypical peers.

Reforming Education

We need a fundamental reform in how we view education. Judging neurodivergent students based on their ability to sit still and focus on tasks they find uninteresting is not only unfair but counterproductive. We must shift our perspective and prioritize wellness and happiness as key components of academic success.

Supporting Parents

Many parents feel societal pressure and guilt when their children struggle with school attendance. This can lead to a profound sense of grief as they reassess what their child’s life looks like. It's crucial for us to provide support and understanding as they navigate these feelings.

Promoting School Training

Moving forward, we must advocate for school training programs that support Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and teachers. It’s also important for educational leaders and policymakers to recognize the significance of a supportive educational environment.

A New Vision for School

For me, school should be a space that fosters:

Positive routines

Opportunities for social connection

A strong sense of identity

These elements should take precedence over academic performance. When we prioritize wellness, we pave the way for better academic outcomes. Remember, without regulation, learning is nearly impossible.

Final Thoughts

Let’s reframe our approach to education and wellness. Together, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures every young person’s potential.

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic.

Take care,

Padraig 

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