#United States #New York #School Avoidance #Jayne Demsky #Education Rights

Addressing the Rising Challenge of School Avoidance

Every day, countless parents witness their children suffer profound anxiety and distress at the thought of going to school. This troubling behavior is known as school avoidance, a significant issue that has intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional toll this causes not only affects the children but also reverberates throughout their families. With solutions seemingly out of reach, many parents are weary of the judgment surrounding their child's struggles.

Introducing a New Resource

To help families navigate these turbulent waters, Jayne Demsky, founder of the School Avoidance Alliance, is set to release her debut book, Overcoming School Avoidance: What to Do When Your Kid Won't Go to School, on October 14, 2025. This book promises to be a beacon of hope, offering not only expert insights but also real-world advice drawn from the experiences of numerous families grappling with the same challenges.

Expert Insights and Personal Experiences

Demsky's work combines her experiences with the struggles faced by families in her community, alongside insights from eleven prominent experts in fields such as psychology and education. This collaborative approach aims to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to support their children effectively. Experts contributing to the book include:

• - Dr. Christopher Kearney: Renowned professor and creator of the Four Functions of School Refusal.
• - Dr. Mona Potter: Chief Medical Officer at InStride Health, specializing in child psychiatry.
• - Dr. Rebecca Etkin: A SPACE clinician at the Yale Child Study Center.
• - Dr. Daniel P. Villiers: Co-founder of Mountain Valley Treatment Center and Anxiety Institute.
• - And several other esteemed professionals in related fields.

These contributors bring a wealth of knowledge regarding the psychological, social, and educational aspects of school avoidance, allowing parents to gain a multi-faceted understanding of the issue.

A Family-Centric Approach

In her introduction, Demsky emphasizes, "When a child can't go to school, the entire family is affected. Parents don't need more judgment—they need solutions. That's what this book delivers." This mantra drives the content of her book, aiming to reduce stigma and offer practical, actionable strategies for families.

The guidance covered will touch on various aspects of the school avoidance phenomenon, including how families can confront the harmful labels of truancy and ensure that their child’s educational rights are recognized and upheld.

Pre-Ordering and Outreach

Overcoming School Avoidance is already available for pre-order at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target. As the book's release date approaches, readers can stay informed on updates and practical tips by following Jayne on TikTok under the handle @SchoolAvoidanceHelp or visiting her website.

The Author's Mission

Jayne Demsky's commitment to addressing school avoidance stems from her desire to elevate awareness of this pressing issue while equipping families with the necessary resources to tackle it head-on. With her background in advocacy and education, she has developed a trusted platform that focuses on awareness and support for those affected.

As she prepares for the release of her book, the overarching hope is that parents will be able to find the understanding and assistance they need to help their children reclaim their education and well-being.

By shining a light on school avoidance and providing a roadmap through her expertise and community experiences, Demsky’s debut promises to be a transformative tool for families navigating this challenging journey.