When students stop showing up, emotionally or physically, it’s rarely about laziness. School avoidance is often tied to anxiety, depression, or past experiences that make school feel overwhelming or unsafe.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang speak with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson about why some students shut down and how we can help them re-engage. You'll learn what to look for, how to respond with empathy, and what kinds of school environments support emotional recovery.