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School Refusal, EBSA, and Teen Burnout: The Parent's Guide with Dr Naomi Fisher
Description
What’s behind a teenager’s struggle to get to school—and how can parents help without turning every morning into a battle? In this episode, journalist and host Rachel Richards talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Fisher, author of The Teenagers’ Guide to Taking Control of Your Education, about school avoidance, burnout, demand avoidance, and the questions parents often have about autism and ADHD.
Drawing on her own experience of struggling at school and decades of work with young people and families, Naomi challenges us to look beyond labels and ask what a teen is experiencing, what support they need, and how parents can work alongside them. They also explore the importance of connection, curiosity, and making room for young people to take an active role in their learning.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What may be behind school avoidance—and how to look for specific school-day stressors rather than assuming a child is simply refusing.
- How to work with your teen, not against them, while still acknowledging that education needs to happen.
- What burnout can look like and why stepping back may help some teenagers recover.
- How to think about demand avoidance and autism or ADHD diagnoses without letting labels replace curiosity about what a young person needs.
- Why following a teen’s interests and repairing your connection matter—especially when school has become a source of conflict.
For more detailed notes and help on this go to my Fearless Parenting Substack
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Find all the tips from the episode on Substack:
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