Exploring the complexities of widespread school absenteeism in Swedish schools: Insights from students with autism and their teachers

Abstract

Extensive problematic school absenteeism is a growing problem in Swedish schools. This means serious consequences both for the child and for society at large. This makes it essential to carry out a study where the voices of students and teachers are heard. This study identified and analyzed the risk and protective factors expressed by teachers and students regarding extensive problematic school absenteeism. The students are found within the autism spectrum, something that is common when it comes to students who are absent from school. The Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed through reflexive thematic content analysis. The results showed that students' and teachers' perceptions were consistent and distinctive. Structure, learning environment, and relationships were the themes that emerged most clearly during the analysis.

Keywords

• Learning environment
• Protection
• Relationship
• Risk
• School absenteeism
• Structure