Description
Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Workbook
50+ page neurodiversity-affirming digital workbook for young people, parents/carers and education professionals.
A practical, evidence-informed resource designed to help families, schools and professionals understand Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and explore the barriers that can make accessing education feel difficult or overwhelming.
Rather than viewing non-attendance as “refusal” or challenging behaviour, this workbook looks at what may be happening underneath it — including anxiety, sensory needs, communication differences, social demands, masking, burnout, executive functioning difficulties and previous negative experiences of education.
The workbook combines accessible information with practical activities, reflection tools and strategies to support communication, self-advocacy and collaborative planning.
Inside the workbook:
-
Understanding EBSA and school distress
-
The cycle of anxiety, distress and avoidance
-
Possible causes and contributing factors
-
EBSA and neurodivergence
-
Masking, burnout and hidden distress
-
Early signs to look out for
-
Sensory, social, communication and academic barriers
-
Young-person reflection activities
-
Body awareness and recognising overwhelm
-
Energy/battery and school-day activities
-
Guidance for parents and carers
-
Guidance and reasonable adjustments for schools
-
Environmental accessibility considerations
-
Trusted adult and safe-space planning
-
Child-led approaches to re-engagement
-
Individual EBSA support planning
-
Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy perspectives
-
Further resources and research
Who is it for?
Suitable for:
Young people experiencing school distress or difficulties attending education
Parents and carers
Teachers, SENCOs, Learning Mentors and pastoral staff
Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language Therapists
Other professionals supporting children and young people with SEND or emotional wellbeing needs
This workbook can be used independently or collaboratively to help identify barriers, open conversations and build practical, individualised support.
Our Approach
This resource takes a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based and person-centred approach.
The focus is not simply on increasing attendance. Instead, it supports adults and young people to explore why education has become difficult, what needs may currently be unmet, and what environmental changes, reasonable adjustments and support could make participation feel safer and more sustainable.
50+ page PDF digital download — £15
This workbook is an educational and reflective resource and does not replace individual professional assessment, mental health support, safeguarding procedures, or medical advice.
© 2026 All rights reserved.
This publication is protected by copyright. No part of this workbook may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder, except as permitted under applicable copyright law.
This workbook has been purchased for the use of the individual purchaser only. It may not be copied, shared, distributed, resold or reproduced for commercial purposes without permission.
Disclaimer
This workbook is intended as an educational and self-reflection resource. It has been developed using current evidence and clinical principles; however, it is not a diagnostic assessment and should not be used as a substitute for assessment, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
The information contained within this workbook is accurate to the best of the author’s knowledge at the time of publication. As research and professional guidance continue to evolve, readers should use professional judgement when applying the information within this resource.
The author accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or interpretation of the information contained within this workbook.
Terms of Use
By purchasing or using this workbook, you agree that:
- This workbook is for the use of the purchaser only.
- The workbook may not be shared electronically or uploaded to websites, cloud storage platforms or social media.
- The workbook may not be copied, altered or redistributed without written permission.
- The workbook may not be incorporated into other publications, training materials or commercial resources without prior written consent.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.