Breaking Down School Refusal

Leo would not get out of the car. He was always a bit shy and definitely the quieter twin, but Leo’s mom saw a change in his daily behavior around age 10. On bad days, he resisted school with all his might, often physically unable to get out of the car at drop off. Drum lessons, family outings to a restaurant, any activity outside the home was met with refusal. For Leo, the noises were so loud and the lights were so bright. His family watched his struggle to connect and make new friends. 

Leo’s mom remembers when they first started at Thrive Therapy. Her son was frustrated and he was ready for help. Elizabeth met him with understanding and exercises that quickly tapped into the immaturities in his defensive reflexes. Withdrawal, or retreating behavior, like Leo experienced when leaving home is a sign of fear paralysis. His session with Elizabeth calmed him.

“After the first visit, I just knew it was good. He wanted to go back. He loved it there,” says Leo’s mom. “When he left, he was happy. He would never refuse a trip to Thrive and for me, it was a sign that it was working.”

After 12 weeks, Leo met his first set of goals and showed massive strides. He bravely walked into school each day and even started interacting with his friends more deeply. With his weekly sessions, his isolating behaviors started to diminish and his confidence grew. 

Today, Leo is preparing for a performance at the local children’s theater. He’s ready to shine on stage, singing and dancing with his tap shoes. He’s asking to go out to eat and has a growing group of friends. 

“We’ve seen considerable improvement in a lot of different areas for him,” says Leo’s mom, who continues to bring him to Thrive every other week. “I’m excited to see what more he can unlock.”