In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, hosted by Leisa Reichelt, we discuss the best strategies for preparing children for school transitions. 

As the school year ends, many parents are concerned about how to set their children up for success in the next academic year, especially when transitioning between primary and high school. 

Guests Tiffany Westphal from School Can't Australia and Louise White, who recently completed her PhD on supporting autistic students with transitions, share their insights and experiences. 

Topics include the importance of proactive preparation, communication strategies with teachers, and understanding the challenges neurodivergent children face during transitions. Tune in for valuable advice and resources to help support your child's educational journey.

Recommended Resources

• 2x10 Strategy: https://www.panoramaed.com/blog/2x10-relationship-building-strategy#
• I Can Network - Transition to High School: https://icannetwork.online/online/transition-to-high-school-program/

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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 this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan from the Home Education Network (HEN) to discuss the challenges and benefits of home education for neurodivergent children & young people.

Pavlina and Heidi share their personal experiences, highlighting how home education caters to the unique needs of these children, fosters motivation, and supports mental health. 

The conversation also touches on the initial fears parents might have, the organic learning process, and the critical importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Both parents of young children as well as teens transitioning to home education will gain valuable insights into the practicalities and emotional journey of home educating.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:54 Meet Pavlina and Heidi

01:39 The Journey to Home Education

03:16 Benefits of Home Education for Neurodivergent Kids

05:14 Challenges and Misconceptions

08:34 Motivation and Learning

13:29 Early Signs and Decisions

16:46 Organic Learning and Community Support

20:03 Addressing Fears and Expectations

21:33 Realizations and Accommodations

22:44 Understanding Student Engagement and Coping Mechanisms

24:31 The Role of YouTube in Modern Education

28:01 Parental Support and Home Education

30:23 Addressing Teen Burnout and Mental Health

39:01 The Importance of Community Support

41:07 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Home Education Network (Australia) - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
• Save Victorian Parent Helpline Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/save-parentline

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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 this episode, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Hugh Viney, CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), the UK’s fastest growing school that specifically caters to kids whose needs are not met by the mainstream school system.

MVA's unique model centers on a 'happiness first' ethos, providing a blend of self-directed online learning, live lessons, mentoring, and community activities. Hugh explains how MVA caters to diverse student needs, including those facing mental health challenges and neurodivergent learners, creating an educational environment where happiness and well-being are prioritized. 

The conversation also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in setting up such a venture and the broader implications for the future of education.

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

01:28 Meet Hugh Viney: From Musician to Education Innovator

03:14 The Birth of Minerva Tutors: Tutoring for Happiness

05:44 COVID-19 and the Rise of Online Learning

07:25 Creating Minerva Virtual Academy: A New Kind of School

09:55 Navigating Bureaucracy: Accreditation and Recognition

15:15 A Day in the Life of an MVA Student

22:37 Exploring Online School Clubs and Activities

22:59 Building a Sense of Community in Online Schools

24:22 Addressing Student Safety and Belonging

25:36 Supporting Neurodivergent and Mental Health Needs

28:06 Challenges and Solutions in Online Education

33:46 Recruiting and Training Online Teaching Staff

36:53 Advice for Parents and Educators

39:02 The Future of Education: Choice and Flexibility

42:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recommended Resources

• Minerva Virtual Academy: https://www.minervavirtual.com/
• Hugh on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/hugh-viney
• Hugh’s website & links to other social media: http://hughviney.com/ 
• 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 [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 Esther Jones, a UK-based parent and unschooling advocate and author of The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself. 

Esther shares her personal journey of unschooling her three children and the principles behind the philosophy. We explore how parents can inadvertently present the biggest challenges to unschooling success,  the importance of self-compassion, and how to foster an individualised, supportive and engaging learning environment. 

Discover practical advice and insights on transitioning from traditional schooling to an unschooling approach, and learn about the significance of building a positive relationship with your child. 

00:00 Welcome

01:05 Meet Esther Jones: A Journey to Unschooling

03:22 Defining Unschooling: A Philosophical Approach

05:32 The Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling

08:15 Navigating Parental Fears and Triggers

10:45 Embracing Enoughness and Connection

18:49 The Role of Curiosity and Natural Learning

23:52 Mindfulness in Action

24:24 Learning Through Conversations

27:50 Navigating Triggers and Self-Compassion

30:14 The Role of the Parent in Unschooling

36:10 Transitioning from School to Unschooling

42:52 Wrapping Up and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Esther Jones’ Website - https://www.esther-jones.com/
• 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 [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.

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 [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.

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/

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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 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 [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 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 [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.