Understanding School Can't - for Professionals

School refusal or school can’t? Learn how to reframe distress, reduce demands, and create safety for struggling students.

Why do some children simply can’t go to school — no matter how many charts, rewards, or attendance plans are put in place? This professional learning session will unpack the difference between “school refusal” and “school can’t,” shifting the lens from compliance to compassion.

Drawing on trauma-informed and neuro-affirming frameworks, Clinical Psychologist Shannon Lopez will explore:

• Why distress is often misinterpreted as defiance or avoidance.
• How nervous system shutdowns, masking, and cumulative stress loads affect students.
• Common triggers for school can’t, including sensory, social, and structural demands.
• Practical strategies for educators, psychologists, and allied health professionals to create safety, trust, and re-engagement.
• How to work collaboratively with families to support student wellbeing and flexible learning pathways.

Who should attend:
Educators, school leaders, psychologists, counsellors, allied health professionals, and anyone working with children and young people who experience significant school attendance difficulties.

Key takeaways:

• Reframe behaviour as communication, not defiance.
• Learn strategies to reduce demands and support nervous system regulation.
• Build compassionate, low-demand environments that foster trust and re-engagement.
• Understand how success can look different for every child.

Join us to deepen your understanding of “school can’t” and walk away with evidence-based, practical tools to better support students, families, and schools.

All registered participants will receive a recording of this webinar as well as resources following the event.

Presenter: Shannon Lopez is a Clinical Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Spencer Health. She has a strong interest in child and adolescent therapy, autism and ADHD assessment, and is a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner dedicated to evidence-based, compassionate care. With years of experience supporting children, adolescents and families, Shannon brings practical, real-world insights to these sessions.