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Episode 23 - When School Is All Too Much, Understanding EBSA episode artwork

Oct 4, 2026 29 min

Episode 23 - When School Is All Too Much, Understanding EBSA

from Autism Unpacked Hosted by Options Autism

Send us Fan Mail When your child is struggling to attend school, it can be difficult to understand what’s behind their distress, how best to support them, or where to turn for help. In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we explore Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), and how it can affect children and young people, including those with additional needs. We look at the signs parents and carers may notice, why school can be difficult and the challenges families can face when attendance becomes difficult. We're joined by Educational and Child Psychologist Dr Tina Rae and Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Behaviour Culture, Dr. Leanne Johnson to explore some of the factors that may be driving a child’s anxiety or difficulties with school. Together we share practical advice and strategies for reducing anxiety, understanding your child's individual needs, advocating for appropriate support, and working constructively with schools. Whether your child is beginning to show signs of school anxiety, is struggling with attendance, or is currently unable to attend school, this episode offers expert insight and practical guidance to help parents and carers understand what may be happening and what they can do next. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or YouTube

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Send us Fan Mail When your child is struggling to attend school, it can be difficult to understand what’s behind their distress, how best to support them, or where to turn for help. In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we explore Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), and how it can affect children and young people, including those with additional needs. We look at the signs parents and carers may notice, why school can be difficult and the challenges families can face when attendance beco...

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Episode 23 - When School Is All Too Much, Understanding EBSA

0:00 29:26

Chapters

  1. 1:35 What is EBSA and the signs to look for
  2. 8:28 School, collaboration and how to advocate
  3. 17:27 Why parents shouldn't feel blame

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Autistic Voices Evalynne Charmer - Autistic Voices Autistic Voices is an authentic and insightful podcast series that explores the world of autism and neurodiversity through the voices of those who know it best - autistic individuals. Join therapist and fellow autist, Evalynne Charmer, as she chats with guests about their experiences with autism and rethinks common misconceptions about neurodiversity. From challenges to triumphs, each episode of Autistic Voices provides a unique perspective on autistic lives. Tune in now to hear these authentic autistic voices! Karl Sterling Podcast Karl Sterling Podcast Always learning, always growing, and always sharing with others, host Karl Sterling brings you conversations with extraordinary experts! We hope you enjoy our interviews.Karl works as a neurorehabilitation specialist based in Syracuse, New York, and is the creator of the Parkinson’s Regeneration Training ® education program. While his extensive experience as a trainer includes working with a variety of populations, he primarily specializes in working with clients who have movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, MSA (Multiple System Atrophy), MS, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Autism, and more.Karl travels extensively throughout the United States and internationally as public speaker, keynote speaker, and educator in the movement disorder, human movement, and personal growth arenas. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Agile Human Performance, Inc and owner/CEO of PhysioChains LLC which currently offers Parkinson’s Regeneration Training ® courses worldwide.In add Autism: A New Perspective RDIconnect At the heart of what we do is an unwavering belief that growth is possible in the life of individuals on the autism spectrum. This foundational belief comes from the latest autism research and our experience with thousands of cases where the child’s growth-seeking drive has been activated, making a way for the crucial parent-child Guiding Relationship to form and for Dynamic Intelligence to develop. Beautifully Complex Penny Williams Parenting a neurodivergent kid is one of the hardest things you will ever do. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why nothing seems to work, this is the place for you. I am Penny Williams, parenting coach, author, and mom who's in the trenches alongside you. Each week on Beautifully Complex, I bring you honest conversations and real strategies for raising kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Our kids aren't broken, just wired differently. My work is grounded in the SIGNAL Framework™, a nervous-system-first approach I developed around one core truth: regulation is required before any skill or strategy can take hold. Every episode delivers insights you can actually use to reduce your stress, rebuild your confidence, and create a family life that feels good for everyone in it. I've helped thousands of families worldwide, and this community is here for you too. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you neve

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This episode is 29 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 4, 2026.

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