The School Can't Experience

In this episode, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Tanya Valentin, a neuro-affirming family coach from New Zealand. 

Tanya shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence and her family's experiences with school burnout and autism. They discuss the challenges, grief, and shame faced by parents, and the transformative power of finding new paths to education and parenting. 

Tanya also talks about the resources and support available for families dealing with similar issues. Tune in to hear insights on breaking societal norms and fostering genuine connections with your children.

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

00:28 Meet Tanya Valentin: A Journey Through Burnout and Neurodivergence

02:53 Understanding Burnout: A Family's Struggle and Discovery

05:29 Navigating Parenting Challenges and Professional Advice

12:53 The Emotional Toll: Grief, Shame, and Transformation

41:34 Finding Support and Resources for Parents

45:57 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Tanya’s Resources

Tanya has a holiday support menu for parents, centred on the grief and emotional weight that can surface at this time of year.  The supports range from free to paid and are designed to meet parents across different needs and capacity levels.

You can find that here: https://tanyavalentin.co/holiday-support-menu/

And here is the link for parents who may wish to join From Burnout to Balance: https://tanyavalentin.co/parent-community/

People & resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr Anna Neff: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/
• Dr Francis Weller: https://www.francisweller.net/
• Dr Emmi Pickler: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmi_Pikler
• Kristi Forbes: https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/
• Dr Naomi Fisher:https://naomifisher.co.uk/

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If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Pavlina McMaster, Coordinator at the Home Education Network to shed light on some common myths about Home Education, including: 

• Myth #1:Home Education is a last resort
• Myth #2: I have to work so don’t have time to Home Educate
• Myth #3: I’m not smart/educated enough to teach my kids
• Myth #4: Home Education restricts our kids future opportunities
• Myth #5: Home Education kids miss out on social opportunities.

Useful resources:

• Home Education Network (Australia) - https://home-ed.vic.edu.au/
• Victoria Home Schoolers and Unschoolers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorianhomeschoolersandunschoolers
• Home Education NSW - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationnsw
• Home Education QLD Inc. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationqldinc
• Home Education Tasmania - https://www.facebook.com/groups/876634649129826
• Home Education WA (HEWA) - https://www.facebook.com/hewapage
• South Australian Home Educators - https://www.facebook.com/groups/southaustralianhomeeducators
• Home Educators Northern Terrritory Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1226268530873997
• Home Education Canberra Facebook Group (ACT) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/165766030185476

Also search for Home Education Facebook groups in your city or local area. There are many!

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Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Kate Broderick, a dual qualified speech therapist and occupational therapist, about the transition from behaviorism to a relationship-based approach in education. 

Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of neurodivergent children and discusses the importance of building trust-based relationships to create safer and more inclusive learning environments. 

They consider the challenges and strategies for advocating for educational transformation and the critical role of nervous system safety in child development. Kate also introduces her upcoming book as a resource for teachers and parents.

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

00:26 Meet Kate Broderick: A Dual Qualified Therapist and School Can't Mum

01:04 Understanding Neurodivergence and Parenting

06:54 Challenges and Strategies in School Environments

14:39 Behavioral vs. Relational Approaches in Education

18:22 Building Trust and Relationships in Schools

22:26 Advocacy and Resources for Parents

30:35 Kate's Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

37:08 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Dr Ross Greene, Lives in the Balance: https://livesinthebalance.org/
• Dr Mona Delahooke: https://monadelahooke.com/
• Dr Vanessa LaPointe: https://drvanessalapointe.com/
• Maggie Dent: https://www.maggiedent.com/
• Gordon Neufeld, The Neufeld Institute: https://www.neufeldinstitute.org/
• Reframing Autism: https://reframingautism.org.au/
• Belongside Families: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

In this episode Melisa and her son Jamie to share their inspiring story with host, Leisa Reichelt. Jamie, who struggled with conventional schooling due to autism and other challenges, found an unconventional but successful educational pathway.

Despite difficulties including bullying, sensory challenges and a lack of support in school, Jamie flourished through home education, ultimately enrolling in university at a young age and recently earning a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. 

We explore the challenges and successes of their journey, including the importance of education redesigned to suit the learning needs of the individual, and the strength required from parents and children in navigating 'School Can't' scenarios. 

If you're a parent or carer facing similar challenges, this episode offers a beacon of hope and practical insights.

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

00:53 Meet Melisa and Jamie: A Unique Educational Journey

02:53 Early Struggles with Conventional Schooling

07:50 The Turning Point: Year Four and Beyond

16:16 Transition to Homeschooling

24:29 Discovering a Pathway to University

32:50 Achieving Academic Success and Beyond

38:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Recommended Resources

• Theresa Kidd: https://www.kiddclinic.com.au/
• Open Universities Australia: https://www.open.edu.au/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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 Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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 Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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 Fan Mail

Support the show

School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...

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

If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/get-involved#donate

If this episode helped you please take a moment to subscribe, rate, or review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It genuinely helps other School Can't families find us.

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,...