The School Can't Experience – Détails, épisodes et analyse

You're invited to attend the virtual launch of School Can't Australia's new ebook. 

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/resource-launch-understanding-school-can-t-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers

Please help us plan content for next years episodes - send your feedback and ideas to schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com or send us a text.

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Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast hosted by Leisa Reichelt. In this episode, Wendy, a high school teacher and foster parent, shares her story of caring for her foster son Jax, who has struggled with school attendance for several years.

Wendy shares the various challenges they have faced with the education system, their experiences with foster care, and their journey towards finding an appropriate learning environment for Jax where he is now truly seen, understood and supported. 

The episode also highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity and advocating for children with special needs.

Content warning: the episode includes a mention of suicide. Please listen with care and reach out for support if you need it.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:27 Introducing Wendy and Her Story

01:16 Wendy's Background and Family Dynamics

04:45 Challenges in the Education System

08:55 Navigating the Foster Care System

16:12 Breakthroughs and Progress

23:21 Finding the Right School

29:47 Reflections and Future Hopes

33:52 Closing Remarks and Resources

People & resources mentioned in this episode:

• NSW In-Home Care - https://nswihc.org.au/in-home-care/
• Your Child is Not Broken: Parent Your Neurodivergent Child Without Losing Your Marbles, by Heidi Mavir  - https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781035030576/

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Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

Em Hammond of Neurowild joins us for this special episode. Em, a speech therapist and illustrator, emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent children, particularly in educational settings. 

We talk through Em’s resource called ‘Reasons Why Autistic Kids May Not Be OK With ‘Having a Go’ and why this request can be ableist, dismissive of our kids experience and ultimately traumatising. Em highlights the importance of validating children's experiences  and asking them about the best ways we can offer them support that actually helps.. 

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:26 Introducing Em Hammond: NeuroWild

03:43 Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Education

05:37 Challenges with Educators and Neurodiversity

07:14 The Importance of Context and Communication

09:59 The 'Have a Go' Dilemma

19:31 Understanding Neurodivergent Kids' Needs

21:26 The Pressure of Being Perceived

22:42 The Fear of Failure and Its Impact

23:37 Logical and Analytical Thinking in Kids

26:47 Gestalt Language Processing in Neurodivergent Kids

35:27 Understanding Ableism 

39:50 Resources and Support for Parents

Recommended Resources

• Reasons Why Autistic Kids May Not be OK with Having a Go: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1SBA4mzbNH/
• Neurowild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/NeuroWild-100087870753308
• Neurowild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurowild_/?hl=en
• TeachersPayTeachers Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/emily-hammond-neurowild
• Save Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentline

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

Happy school holidays (in Australia) to all who celebrate. As a holiday special we are revisiting this popular episode, an interview with clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson.

We explore the often misunderstood concept of resilience, especially for our neurodivergent young people.

Monique, who is autistic and ADHD herself, shares her journey and highlights the challenges and necessary shifts in education systems to support neurodivergent children and young people. Together, they discuss the limitations of traditional exposure therapy, the impact of sensory overload, and the importance of adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices in schools. 

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:27 Introducing Monique Mitchelson

02:36 Understanding Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy

05:30 Challenges of Mainstream Schooling for Neurodivergent Kids

07:21 Defining and Misunderstanding Resilience

11:38 Exposure Therapy and Its Limitations

18:41 The Importance of a Supportive Environment

25:41 Advocating for Neurodivergent Children

30:58 Resources and Final Thoughts

Recommended Resources

• The Autism CRC updated guidelines Supporting Autistic Children Guideline | Autism CRC - https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/supporting-children
• National Autism Strategy | Department of Social Services - https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategy
• Dr. Ross Greene - https://drrossgreene.com/
• Polyvagal Theory — Rhythm of Regulation Deb Dana - https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/polyvagal-theory
• Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology): 9780393713855: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com by Deb Dana - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393713857?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
• The Sensory Pyramid of Learning - Foundation for Development - DEVELOP LEARN GROW - https://developlearngrow.com/the-pyramid-of-learning/

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Dr Kara Johns to discuss the crucial role that General Practitioners (GPs) can play in supporting families struggling with School Can’t.

Dr. Johns, a GP from South Australia, shares her personal and professional insights on handling School Can't situations. They explore the importance of building strong GP-family relationships, navigating the Australian health system, and the Medicare safety net. 

The episode also touches on the impact of emotional health on children's school attendance and provides practical advice for parents dealing with similar challenges.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:27 Introducing Dr. Kara Johns

01:42 Kara's Personal Experience with School Can't

07:16 Understanding the Role of a GP

11:22 Building a Productive Partnership with Your GP

13:44 Navigating Appointment Lengths and Expectations

18:45 Supporting Families with School Can't

20:42 The Importance of Primary Attachment in Child Development

21:41 Challenges in the School System and Parental Advocacy

23:48 The Role of GPs in Supporting Families

30:27 Navigating the Australian Health System

39:11 Resources and Support for Families

42:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recommended Resources

• Possums (Neuroprotective Developmental Care) by Dr Pamela Douglas - https://possumsndc.com/
• Medicare Safety Net - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-safety-nets
• Medicare Mental Health Plan -  https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare
• Pop Culture Parenting podcast - https://www.popcultureparenting.com/
• Developing Minds psychologists - https://developingminds.net.au/
• Reflect Health (ADHD Resources) -

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt discusses the recent Australian Network for School Attendance Conference with Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers from School Can't Australia. 

They share valuable insights and highlights from the event, discussing various topics such as the impact of stressors on student attendance, the importance of lived experience in shaping policies, and the complexities surrounding school attendance difficulties. 

They explore the terminology used to describe school attendance issues, how schools can use imputed diagnosis to access NCCD funding, and gaps in the perspectives of students, educators, and parents. 

Recommended Resources

• Conference program: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australian-network-for-school-attendance-ansa-conference-registration-1261023377869 
• Student Stress Investigation cards: https://www.studentstressinvestigation.com.au/
• Save Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentline
• NCCD - Imputing Disability: https://www.nccd.edu.au/tools/imputing-disability-nccd
• NCCD Resources for parents and guardians - https://www.nccd.edu.au/resources-and-tools/roles/parents-guardians-and-carers-14

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In our first parent/young person duet episode, Simone and her teenager Yani share their journey through years of school struggles, home education, and eventually finding a path forward that works. Together, they talk openly about the challenges of separation anxiety, dyslexia, School Can’t, and the toll it takes on both parent and child.

What shines through is their honesty, resilience, and the strength of their relationship as they navigate tough choices and moments of relief - from difficult mornings at the school gate to the freedom of “Beach Day.” Yani reflects on what it’s like to be a young person who simply couldn’t do school in the usual way, while Simone offers the perspective of a parent trying to balance care, work, and self-doubt.

This conversation will resonate with parents facing similar challenges, and offer valuable insight for educators and professionals seeking to better understand and support families living with School Can’t

00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:27 Meet Yani and Simone

02:08 Early School Experiences: Daycare and Kinder

06:05 Struggles with Mainstream Primary School

24:04 Transition to High School and Lockdown Challenges

27:06 Embracing Home Education

34:13 Finding a New Path: TAFE and Future Plans

39:57 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Recommended Resources

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Symone Wheatley-Hey, an advocate for neurodivergent voices in education. 

Symone shares her personal journey of navigating 'School Can't' as a sole parent to two neurodivergent children. The discussion covers Symone's experiences with home education, the impact of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) on schooling, and the transformation her family underwent to overcome educational challenges. 

Symone also discusses the positive changes in her children's school and their re-integration into the education system. 

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:27 Introducing Symone Wheatley-Hey

02:27 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

07:58 Freddie's Story: Early Signs and Struggles

11:29 The Challenges of Homeschooling

25:05 Returning to School: A New Beginning

29:24 The Four Corners Experience

33:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Twinkl (educational resources) - https://www.twinkl.com.au/
• Jonelle Fraser, Aurora Education - https://jonellefraser.com/
• Four Corners Episode - The Kids who Can’t Go to School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSdhuqj04vQ 
• Dr Mona Delahooke -
  https://monadelahooke.com
• Dr Ross Greene and Collaborative Proactive Solutions https://livesinthebalance.org
• Dr Alfie Kohn. (Rewards & Motivation) https://www.alfiekohn.org
• Maggie Dent, especially her book “help me help my teen”  https://www.maggiedent.com
• Dr Natalie Thompson is at Charles Sturt University 
  https://study.csu.edu.au/find-courses/short-courses/microcredential-courses/intro-disability-affirming-classrooms  
• Love after love by Derek Walcott 

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

Returning guest Dr. Naomi Fisher joins host Leisa Reichelt and School Can’t Australia’s Tiffany Westphal and returning guest Dr. Naomi Fisher to deep dive into the pressing issue of parental burnout. 

Dr. Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and expert in supporting parents with burned out School Can’t kids, provides valuable insights into recognizing, understanding, and combating burnout among parents and carers. 

You’ll get practical tips for self-care that are achievable even for parents who have little or no time to themselves. We also discuss the impact of systemic pressures and strategies for managing chronic stress. 

Whether you’re a burned out parent or supporting someone who is in or near burnout, this episode offers a way to understand what is going on and what can be done to help make the journey a little more sustainable.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:26 Introducing Dr. Naomi Fisher and Parental Burnout

01:33 Understanding Burnout: Signs and Symptoms

03:49 The Impact of School on Parental Burnout

04:47 Challenges of Home Education

06:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Parenting

09:58 Social Isolation and Judgment

14:46 Inner Critic and Self-Compassion

19:12 Rewriting Your Parenting Narrative

22:30 Naming Your Inner Voice

22:55 Creating Distance from Negative Thoughts

23:06 Self-Compassion and Friend Analogy

23:37 Thanking Your Inner Voice

23:51 Managing Threat Responses

25:28 Controlling Social Media Inputs

27:47 Systemic Impacts on Parental Burnout

30:11 Questioning the Education System

34:26 Sustainable Parenting Strategies

34:57 The Importance of Parental Self-Care

36:37 Dealing with Shame and Household Expectations

39:51 Investing in Mental Health

41:13 Resources for Burnt Out Parents

42:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Recommended Resources

• Understanding Burnout in our Children (Naomi’s previous episode on the pod) - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/16923733
• Naomi’s website (books, courses, webinars) - https://naomifisher.co.uk/
• Think Again: Naomi’s substack/newsletter -

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode, you’ll meet Diana, a mother of two young people with School Can’t experiences. Diana joins host Leisa Reichelt to candidly share her experiences supporting her son James through his struggles with mainstream schooling.

From early signs like separation anxiety and hating birthday parties and swimming lessons, to the challenges of advocating for access to Distance Education including supports for undertaking the Higher School Certificate (HSC).  

Diana’s story includes topics like deschooling, misdiagnosis, and the importance of tailored support.

Content warning: This episode briefly mentions a suicide threat. Please take care when listening.

00:00 Introduction to the School Can't Experience Podcast

00:29 Meet Diana: A School Can't Mum

02:12 Early Signs and Challenges

08:03 The High School Struggle

17:29 Navigating Distance Education

19:46 Coping Strategies and Support

24:59 James' Journey to University

37:31 Reflections and Advice

40:30 Closing Remarks and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Uniting Youth Enhanced Support Service (YESS): Northern Sydney - https://www.uniting.org/services/mental-health/facility/yess-youth-enhanced-support-service-yess-northern-sydney-northern-beaches
• Growing Yourself Up by Jennie Brown (Book) - https://www.amazon.com.au/Growing-Yourself-Up-bring-relationships/dp/1925335194
• Understanding Deschooling with Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan (Podcast Episode) - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/17100428

Send us a text

Support the show

• School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
• Make a donation to School Can’t Australia - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved

If you are a parent of carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. - https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you

You can contact us to volunteer to share your School Can't story or some feedback via email on schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.