Dysorthographia and school phobia

Stomach aches every morning, anxiety attacks at the school gate, refusal to go to class: this is referred to as school phobia, or anxious school refusal. In some children with dysorthographia, years of difficulty and failure in writing can contribute to it. Here is how to recognise it and how to respond. Acting quickly is essential to prevent the situation from becoming entrenched.

What is school phobia

School phobia, also known as anxious school refusal, refers to intense anxiety linked to school that prevents the child from going to school or staying there. This anxiety can show itself through very real physical symptoms.

It is neither a whim nor laziness. The child often wants to go to school, but their anxiety is too strong. They often suffer greatly from it and feel guilty for not being able to manage.

It can appear gradually or suddenly, at any age, but often on starting secondary school. Transition periods are often moments of vulnerability.

The link with dysorthographia

Repeated school difficulties, poor marks, comments about spelling mistakes and fear of assessments can feed anxiety linked to school. Each school day then becomes an ordeal.

When the disorder is undiagnosed or not taken into account, the child experiences a constant sense of failure that they do not understand. This lack of understanding fuels fear and discouragement.

School phobia often has several causes, and dysorthographia may be one among others. A full assessment makes it possible to identify the different causes. See dysorthographia and anxiety.

Warning signs

Stomach or headaches in the morning that disappear at weekends and during holidays. Tears, anxiety, meltdowns when it is time to leave for school. Signs may be subtle at first, then intensify.

Increasingly frequent absences, repeated requests to go home, frequent visits to the school nurse. These repeated visits are often a signal that the child does not feel well in class.

These signs should prompt swift action: the more entrenched the phobia becomes, the harder it is to return to class. Do not wait for absenteeism to become significant before responding.

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Acting quickly

Do not let the situation become entrenched. Speak to your GP promptly, who can refer you to a child psychiatrist or a psychologist. The GP can also rule out any medical cause for the symptoms.

Inform the school: the teacher, the CPE (student welfare officer), the school nurse or the médecin scolaire. Together, you can consider adjustments. The school has an important role to play in the child’s return.

Avoid forcing the child abruptly or, conversely, letting them stay at home without support. A gradual, caring approach is generally more effective.

Addressing the school difficulties

If dysorthographia is involved, managing the disorder is essential: assessment, rééducation orthophonique, school adjustments. Reducing school difficulties means reducing part of the anxiety.

A PAP or a PPS can reduce pressure and give the child a better chance of success. These arrangements also show the child that they are supported.

See the PAP and the adjustments. Adjustments must be genuinely applied to have an effect.

Gradual return to school

The return to class often takes place gradually, with an adapted timetable, in liaison with the care team and the school. Every step achieved is an achievement worth celebrating.

A PAI can be put in place to formalise adjustments linked to the child’s health. The PAI is drawn up with the médecin scolaire and the educational team.

In some cases, distance learning or specific support may be considered temporarily. The goal always remains a return to class, at the child’s own pace.

Getting support as a parent

School phobia is an ordeal for the whole family. Parents often feel helpless, feel guilty or become exhausted. Looking after yourself is also important so that you can support your child.

Do not hesitate to seek support, and to get in touch with associations specialising in anxious school refusal. Talking with other parents who are going through the same situation is reassuring.

See the associations. These associations often offer practical advice and emotional support.

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Questions that keep coming up

Can dysorthographia lead to school phobia ?

It can contribute to it, through the accumulation of failure and anxiety, but school phobia often has several causes. It often has several causes that combine.

What are the signs of school phobia ?

Physical symptoms in the morning, anxiety when leaving for school, increasingly frequent absences. Physical symptoms that disappear at weekends should prompt concern.