If you've ever walked out of a school meeting wondering how it could all feel so wrong — this episode is for you.

In the powerful final instalment of the ADHD Mums School Series, Jane is joined by neurodivergent educator Millie Carr to reimagine what school could be — if we stopped prioritising performance over people. Together, they unpack how traditional education models are burning out not only our kids, but also the parents, teachers, and professionals trying to hold it all together.

From sensory trauma to compliance-driven behaviour plans, this episode explores the uncomfortable truth: our current system isn’t broken — it was built this way. But that doesn’t mean we can’t shift it.

You’ll hear stories, systems critique, and practical frameworks for creating school environments that don’t just tolerate neurodivergence — but truly honour it.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why behaviour plans and positive reinforcement often fail neurodivergent kids
• The myth of “readiness” and why regulation must come before learning
• Trauma-aware, neuro-affirming practice — what it actually looks like
• Why ‘calm’ doesn’t mean regulated, and how masking is rewarded in school
• What schools misunderstand about sensory needs, social withdrawal, and shutdown
• How parents, teachers, and allied professionals can challenge the system together
• The role of leadership, training, and funding in making lasting change
• Why fixing school is about collective regulation, not individual resilience

💭 This episode is for you if:
– You’ve had to choose between education and emotional safety
– You’re tired of being told “they’re fine here” when your child is unraveling at home
– You want to understand how schools could work — and what has to shift for that to happen

Related Episodes with Millie Carr

• How to Tell Your Child About Their Diagnosis: Essential Do's and Don'ts. | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• Camouflaging ADHD and Autistic Traits in Girls | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• The Neurodiverse Classroom | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES: When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES: Burnout Starts in the Classroom — And Follows Them Home | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES: The Great Gaslighting: When Schools Say We Don’t See It | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES -IEP Meetings Are Broken — Here’s What to Say Instead | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES: When School Stops Feeling Safe | Spotify | Apple Podcast
• SCHOOL SERIES:  How to Choose a School That Won’t Break Your Kid (or You) | Spotify | Apple Podcast

📥 Related Resources:
– The School Choice Kit: A neuro-affirming guide to help you choose a school that works for your child — not against them. Includes school tour scripts, red flag/green flag checklists, and practical planning tools.
– Read the blog version of this episode HERE.

🔗 References & Resources from Millie Carr

Frameworks & Programs:

• Berry Street Education Model
  Berry Street Education Model – Learning and Resources
• Social Stencil (Neurodiversity-affirming social and emotional program)
  Social Stencil Website
• Mental Health Fund and Menu – VIC Department of Education
  (Schools can access mental health programs tailored to student needs; menu attached where available)
  Mental Health Menu Overview – VIC DET
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines
  CAST UDL Guidelines

📚 Recommended Books:

• The Neurodiverse Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Individual Learning Needs and How to Meet Them
  by Victoria Honeybourne
  Available on Amazon
• Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms
  by Tom Brunzell
  Available on Booktopia
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported
  by Emily Kircher-Morris
  Available on Booktopia
• The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
  by Dr Daniel J. Siegel and Dr Tina Payne Bryson
  Available on Amazon

Need support navigating school chaos?
Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.
Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/ 

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her website or check out her IG

🔗 Sign our Change Petition here

🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here

🎧 Listener Questions please send here

🔗 Free Guides and Resources: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/

Disability & Education Laws Referenced (Qld Human Rights Act, DSE 2005, UN CRPD)

👩‍⚖️ Human Rights Commission: humanrights.gov.au

📚 References & Further Reading

• Disability Standards for Education 2005
  Read via the Department of Education – Australian Government
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
  View the full legislation on the Federal Register

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TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

neurodivergent education, trauma-aware classrooms, ADHD school burnout, behaviour plans, masking at school, shutdown, school refusal, inclusive education, co-regulation, collective regulation, neuroaffirming schools, sensory trauma, educational reform, school trauma, emotional safety, invisible disability, parenting ADHD kids, advocating for change, leadership in education, teacher training.

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