When her young daughter got ill each time she had to go to school and ended up in hospital, a Co Armagh mum finally discovered what was wrong
When her young daughter got ill each time she had to go to school, eventually ending up in hospital, Mum eventually discovered her child had a little known condition.
Portadown native Catherine, who is a single mum of 3 children, started having concerns about her daughter when she was in P5 at primary school.
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As her daughter approached time to go to school she started to get ill, said Catherine who was ‘very distressed’ because of her daughter’s struggles.
"She had an outstanding teacher, supportive, understanding and caring. She was a popular member of her class,” said Catherine.
"She began to develop sore heads, sore throats and tummies. It eventually progressed to vomiting every morning before school started and long periods of absence.
"She was admitted to hospital that Christmas and spent a few weeks being monitored for medical issues. When released it was suggested she was anxious,” mum revealed.
For her daughter P6 lasted a few months and on 28th March 2025 I was called to collect her she ‘wasn’t able to manage’.
Catherine used to work full time as a Behaviour Support Assistant for the Education Authority for more than 20 years but had to reduce her hours to cope with the struggling little girl who never went back into school ‘apart for a morning check-in with Key Adults each morning which was done from our car’.
“At the time we were all extremely distressed and didn't know who or where to turn to for support.
“I was petrified I would loose my job as I was having so much time off supporting my daughter.”
Mum was ‘grieving’ that her daughter couldn’t attend school even though she said she wanted to go but didn’t know what was wrong with her.
“Family life was extremely difficult and she refused to leave her safe place at home and come anywhere with her siblings and I. It was like a lock down for us all.”
Catherine contacted Parentline one Thursday morning ‘as a broken mother’ and was met with ‘compassion and understanding’.
"The lady on the phone was an angel! She arranged support through Banardos for my daughter and I both and gave me lots of options of where to turn for advice and support.”
Catherine said Educational Phycology had been alerted of us through school and they were helping us navigate the Emotional Based School Non Attendance which they introduced her to.
"They also got on the ball with my daughter’s Statement of SEN and were fantastic. Many agencies where made unavailable to her as she wouldn’t leave the home with burnout and anxiety. We were met with we don’t do home visits!”
However Educational Phycology came into their home and worked with the child and she received a Statement of Educational Needs in the October 2025.
The little girl was also referred to the Autism Team and is awaiting assessment for PDA and autism. PDA is Pathological Demand Avoidance and is on the autistic spectrum.
“At the time I felt like I was the only parent in the world with a child refusing school and I was in a really dark place as a mother,” said Catherine.
“Only I worked in EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and had the support of my co-workers and team around me I would have struggled all the more,” she said.
"I have worked with children and families all my life supporting them in crisis but I had no idea what to do to help my daughter and my family. We were all very stuck.”
Catherine revealed her daughter ‘stayed in burnout most of 18 months’ and only left the house to play in the garden or within walking distance from home. She refused to travel in the family car or go anywhere with them.
Her daughter was due to start a new secondary school in September so she carefully researched the most suitable place and applied.
“She has not been into school as yet but I have no doubt in her own time she will come to that place in her head herself and will thrive when she feels ready,” said Catherine.
"I am genuinely so sad for her as she loves socialising and the unit I have selected for her at her new school will be amazing for her when she makes it in.
"They are understanding of her needs and situation and have been so flexible and gentle with her already. Education is just another option on our list as I have seen and experienced first hand my daughter’s mental health decline. She reached the worst place I have ever seen her.”
In June 2026, with the support of CYPSP AND PARENTLINE representatives, Catherine set up a support group for parents of children with EBSNA. EBSNA being extended to parents of children with autism as in many cases these children do become diagnosed as autistic.
"Girls are particularly good at masking! Each child has a different story and they are all unique!” she said.
"Our group is newly established and we meet again on November 17, in Tim Hortons at 7.30pm. It’s a chat and a coffee and a vent. It’s support and a place to come as you are with other parents you can relate to and share experiences. Sometimes it’s all we need.”
Catherine revealed that a very ‘poignant’ film ‘Unauthorised Absence’ is to be released on November 10 which she hopes the parents can watch at their meeting on November 17.
“I am hoping it’s the start of raising more awareness for our children and the massive issue that is brewing worldwide. I am hoping it makes parents and children feel more seen.”
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