Absenteeism Assessment Questionnaire

Why: There is an important difference between absenteeism as a result of a condition which makes the child feel as if they "can't" go to school (anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, social phobia), and truancy as a result of "not wanting to" go to school (conduct disorder, antisocial behaviors, below average academic performance, large family).

Why: When associated with not wanting to go to school, these can all be symptoms indicative of either anxiety or depression.

Why: When a child exhibits absenteeism as a result of separation anxiety they will exhibit behaviors which limit their time away from their parents (or whoever they feel that they don't want to be separated from); this includes tantrums, social withdrawal and anxiety and excessive worrying.

Why: Different conditions which result in absenteeism are more common in children of differing ages. Adolescents are more likely to suffer from depression or social phobia. Younger children are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

Why: Children with antisocial behavior or conduct disorder are unlikely to go home when they exhibit absenteeism or truancy.

Why: It is very important for your health professional to get as complete as possible an impression of your child's behaviors, both those that you have directly observed and those that may have been communicated to you. Violent, aggressive, defiant and rule breaking behaviors are indicators of conduct disorder or antisocial disorder. Alternatively, children with anxious or fearful behaviors and occasional temper tantrums are more likely to have an anxiety or depression disorder.

Why: Things not seemingly related to your child's behavior may be actually having a significant impact on your child. It is very important for your Health Professional to know of any current or past stressors experienced at home; regardless of whether or not they were obvious or not. Your health professional may additionally ask about the relationships between everyone at home to get a better idea of the less obvious impacts on your child's thinking and behavior. It is important to remember that your Health Professional is not asking these questions to be "nosy", but rather to do their very best to look after your child's health and wellbeing.

Why: The nature of your child's social interactions is important as your child might be suffering from bullying or antisocial disorder.

Why: An insight into what is actually happening when your child goes to school is important. Also, your child's academic or school performance may be negatively affected by some conditions which additionally result in absenteeism or truancy, such as conduct disorder, antisocial disorder, separation anxiety, anxiety or depression.