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

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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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 is joined by South Australian parents Kate and Daniel, who discuss their experiences caring for three neurodivergent children, two of whom they are currently home educating. 

They share their challenges with the traditional school system, the transition to home education, the realities of day to day life and low demand parenting, and strategies they use to support their children's learning and wellbeing. 

Kate and Daniel share candidly the complexities of home educating neurodiverse young people who have experienced school trauma, whilst balancing the challenges of societal expectations, and the importance of leaning on community support. 

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

00:19 Meet Kate and Daniel: South Australian Parents

02:13 Early Signs and Diagnosis

03:42 The Struggles of Traditional Schooling

05:27 Transition to Home Education

08:58 Daily Life and Challenges of Home Education

19:44 The Emotional and Social Impact on Parents

26:19 Reflections and Advice for Other Parents

30:38 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Home Education Network website: https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
• Home Educaton Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeEducationNetwork

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 [email protected]

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 School Can't mum Nicola, who shares her family's journey through School Can’t challenges. 

Nicola discusses the challenges her family has faced in finding the best way to support her children in their well being as well as their education. She shares the challenges of shifting her mindset, having come from a background that valued academics. Nicola talks about her grief for the life she imagined she would have and having to give up her career. The conversation also covers the relief that moving to Home Education has brought the family.

Nicola focuses on the importance of maintaining a strong parent-child connection, and reaching out for support to come to terms with becoming a carer.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Meet Nicola

02:07 Early Signs and Struggles

06:31 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

08:09 Embracing Home Education

09:04 Balancing Career and Family

11:38 Navigating Grief and Acceptance

19:09 Insights on Home Education

25:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

Recommended Resources

• How to Keep House While Drowning (book) - https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Keep-House-While-Drowning/dp/1529159415/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
• Home Education Network - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
• Home Education Registration around Australia - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/home-ed-registration-around-australia/
• Carer Gateway - https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

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 [email protected]

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 heartfelt episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Jane, a School Can’t parent. 

Jane shares her journey with her son Johnny, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and the struggles they faced within the school system. Despite a series of setbacks, Jane's advocacy led to finding a supportive educational environment where Johnny is now thriving. 

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

00:52 Jane's Introduction and Family Background

01:27 Early School Challenges and ADHD Diagnosis

04:35 Struggles with Medication and School Environment

06:55 Transition to Year One and Autism Diagnosis

10:17 Year Two: Escalating Challenges and Seeking Solutions

18:57 Finding the Right School and Transitioning

21:35 Johnny's Progress and Thriving in the New School

27:56 Reflections and Advice for Other Parents

31:44 Closing Remarks and Resources

FREE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Turn one podcast into team learning.
Our discussion guide helps teams get curious about trauma-informed approaches that actually restore capacity.

✓ Listen to episode #24
✓ Download our discussion guide
✓ Facilitate reflection
✓ Create better support
Download the discussion guide here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L3c7escHhcJtfT3QID8RVlXoFJlokV0O/view?usp=drive_link

Recommended Resources

• NeuroWild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurowild_
• NeuroWild on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/NeuroWild-100087870753308/

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 [email protected]

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 is joined by Louise Rogers from School Can't Australia and their guest, Eliza Fricker. 

Eliza, known for her insightful School Can't Illustrations and webinars, shares her personal journey of navigating 'School Can't' with her daughter. They discuss the challenges of the school environment, the emotional toll on parents, and the eventual transition to a trauma-informed educational setting. 

Eliza's candid conversation highlights the importance of parental instincts, the need for community support, and the significance of maintaining a strong parent-child connection. 

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

00:28 Introducing Eliza Fricker

01:23 Eliza's Journey: From Illustrator to Advocate

02:46 Early Signs and Nursery School Challenges

05:16 Struggles in Primary School

11:52 The Breaking Point and Transition to Home Education

14:06 Finding a Trauma-Informed Educational Setting

17:50 Reflections on Parenting and Advocacy

28:50 Current Status and Future Outlook

32:37 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Eliza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/?hl=en
• Eliza on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissingTheMark1 
• Eliza’s website (including all her books): https://missingthemark.co.uk/
• Low Demand Parenting Online Course with Eliza & Dr Naomi Fisher: https://naomi-fisher.mykajabi.com/low-demand-parenting
• Pam Leo, Connection Parenting: https://connectionparenting.com/

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 [email protected]

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 compiles into stories shared by six parents—Jennie, Marissa, Mark, Jane, Emma, and Lisa—who talk about their struggles and revelations while caring for children who struggle with school attendance. 

From early signs of stress and school-related anxiety to burnout, the episode highlights common themes like masking, parent blaming, and the importance of understanding nervous system responses. 

As parents shift their focus from compliance-based pressures to well-being, they share transformative journeys that led to better outcomes for their children and themselves. Tune in for heartfelt stories that underline the challenges and breakthroughs experienced by families navigating the School Can't journey.

00:48 School-Related Anxiety Starts Early and Is Often Missed

06:33 Masking at school, meltdowns at home

08:43 Burnout and Shutdown: When School Becomes Impossible

12:35 School Pressure and Systemic Pushback

18:07 Relief and Recovery Through Removing Pressure

22:35 Finding New Pathways and Rebuilding Autonomy

24:32 Whole Family Healing and Self-Discovery

27:12 More Information and Resources

Lived Experience Episodes:

Lisa McLean - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/17421617

Mark Thompson - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/17343389

Marissa Taylor - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/17012454

Jennie Plummer - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/16923948

Emma Gilmour - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/16887755

Jane Nicholson - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2447546/episodes/16803563

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 [email protected]

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.