EBSA & Autism: School Avoidance Isn’t Defiance with Caroline Sutton - The Autism Mums Podcast | Lyssna här

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Natalie is joined by psychotherapist, author and former NHS specialist nurse Caroline Sutton to talk about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and why so many neurodivergent children experience school as overwhelming or unsafe.

When a child can’t go to school, it’s rarely about defiance.

Caroline shares over 37 years of professional experience supporting children and families, alongside her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent. Together, we explore the emotional and neurological roots of school anxiety and why traditional behaviour-based approaches often make things worse.

If you’ve ever been told to “just make home less appealing” or that your child is being manipulative, we hope this conversation will feel validating, hopeful and reassuring.

Biography

Caroline Sutton is a psychotherapist, author, and former NHS specialist nurse with over 37 years of experience supporting children and families. Drawing on her professional background and her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent, she brings a deeply compassionate approach to understanding emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and anxiety in young people. Through her private practice, writing, and public speaking, Caroline helps parents and professionals see beyond behaviour to the emotional and neurological roots of distress. Her work blends clinical insight with personal understanding, empowering families to rebuild safety, trust, and hope in education and at home.

Key Takeaways

What Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) really means

Why school avoidance is not the same as defiance

The link between autism, ADHD, anxiety and burnout

How the nervous system responds when school feels unsafe

Why forcing attendance can increase distress

Signs your child may be heading toward burnout

How to balance encouragement with emotional safety

Supporting transitions back to school after holidays

The importance of compassion for parents navigating EBSA

Mentioned in This Episode

📘 A Compassionate Approach to School Anxiety by Caroline Sutton