Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday is the Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, which provides evidence‑based therapy for anxiety and OCD. As a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, she is the former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Cassiday is also the author of The No Worries Guide to Raising Your Anxious Child and Freedom from Health Anxiety. She frequently speaks and trains internationally on treating complex anxiety disorders.

Some mornings can feel like a battle when a child refuses to go to school. Parents are left wondering if it’s a passing phase, a health concern, or something far more serious. How can you tell when school avoidance is actually a sign of anxiety, and what steps can you take to get your child back on track?

According to Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, a nationally recognized expert in treating anxiety and school refusal, the key lies in recognizing the underlying reason behind a child’s avoidance. Anxiety disorders like separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety often drive kids to resist going to school. Avoidance quickly reinforces fear, creating a cycle that worsens over time and can lead to long-term academic, social, and emotional setbacks. Dr. Cassiday also emphasizes that treating school refusal as an “emergency” and responding with calm, firm, and structured action is essential for helping kids build resilience and confidence.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, to talk about why kids avoid school and how parents can respond effectively. She explains how to spot early warning signs, why avoidance reinforces anxiety, and practical steps to break the cycle. Dr. Cassiday also shares strategies for creating supportive school plans and building a child’s resilience at home.