The School Can't Experience

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

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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,...

This episode features a conversation with Tiffany Westphal, Director at School Can't Australia. With host, Leisa Reichelt, Tiffany helps us explore the top six school-based stressors identified in a survey conducted for the Senate Inquiry into School Refusal. 

They discuss the nature of stressors, and the key findings from the research, providing valuable insights for parents, carers, and educators to better support children struggling with school attendance and distress. Discover practical advice on identifying and addressing stressors and empowering students to self-advocate for their needs.

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

01:04 Introduction to Tiffany Westphal and School Can't Australia

02:48 Understanding School-Based Stressors

06:38 Key Findings from the Research

08:01 Top Stressors Affecting Students

09:25 Challenges in Communicating Distress

12:49 Schoolwork not of Interest

17:21 Teacher and School Expectations

19:21 Difficulties Meeting Expectation of Self

19:45  School Placing Responsibility on Student to Change 

21:15 Strategies for Supporting Students

25:54 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• School Based Stressors (School Can’t Australia) - https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/sca-articles/school-based-stressors
• School Can’t Australia Response to Senate Inquiry into School Refusal (PDF) - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/650b88a22a161901937f376c/t/654b065138c56659cc37f3f3/1699415633581/Response+to+Inquiry+recommendations-+SCA.pdf
• Student Stress Investigation Cards - https://www.studentstressinvestigation.com.au/

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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, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Lisa McLean as they discuss her daughter Mia's struggles with school attendance and anxiety. 

Lisa shares her family's journey from identifying early signs of anxiety in primary school, navigating high school challenges, understanding the mind-body connection, to ultimately finding alternative educational pathways. 

They discuss the stress and pressure felt by the entire family, the impact of trauma, and strategies such as homeschooling and mental health support and how Mia has emerged from the experience as an independent young person, optimistic for a rewarding future.

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

00:27 Introducing Lisa McLean and Her Family

01:41 Early Signs and Struggles in Primary School

03:42 Challenges in High School

04:53 Seeking Help and Initial Interventions

08:46 The Turning Point: Homeschooling and Alternative Education

16:08 The Impact of COVID-19 and Family Healing

23:19 Finding a New Path: TAFE and Independence

29:00 Reflections and Advice for Other Parents

33:11 Closing Remarks and Resources

Recommended Resources

• The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (Book) - https://www.amazon.com.au/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748
• When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate (Book) - https://drgabormate.com/book/when-the-body-says-no/
• Lisa’s things she wished she knew (from one mum to another): https://stan.store/Calmlifeproject/p/what-i-wish-i-knew-from-one-mum-to-another
• Lisa’s instragram: https://www.instagram.com/calmlifeproject/
• Lisa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmlifeproject

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,...

This week we’re talking with Emma Brooksby, Managing Director at U&I Educational Partners, about the demands school places on executive function.

Emma, who has ADHD and a background as a school principal, shares her journey and offers insights into how executive function challenges manifest in educational settings and ways to support students who have executive function challenges.

We explore strategies to help kids succeed despite executive function challenges and Emma also highlights alternative educational pathways and resources available.

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

00:55 Meet Emma Brooksby: From Principal to Advocate

01:20 Emma's Journey with ADHD and Executive Function

02:16 COVID-19 and the Opportunity for Educational Change

05:22 Founding U & I Educational Partners

06:14 Understanding Executive Function

09:22 Impact of Executive Dysfunction in School

14:01 Common Executive Function Challenges

07:17 Supporting Kids with Executive Function Issues

33:59 Alternative Educational Settings

37:34 Resources for Parents and Caregivers

38:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recommended Resources

• U&I Educational Partners - https://www.uandi.com.au/
• Goblin Tools, Magic To Do - https://goblin.tools/
• Harvard Centre on the Developing Child - https://developingchild.harvard.edu/
• Learning to Plan and be Organised (book) by Kathleen Nadeau  - https://www.amazon.com.au/Learning-Plan-Be-Organized-Executive/dp/1433822172

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,...

This week we return to our Lived Experience series and host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Mark Thompson, a father of two daughters from the south coast of New South Wales. 

Mark shares the struggles and triumphs of raising his autistic daughter, codename Bluey, as she faces challenges with attending school. From the daycare where Bluey thrived, to the increasing difficulties in preschool and beyond, Mark shares their journey through the education system. 

He discusses their eventual decision to home educate,  the family stresses, and the myriad of strategies they employed to support Bluey. 

Mark emphasizes trusting the gut instincts of both parents and children and the importance of finding a supportive community. 

00:00 Welcome 

00:28 Introducing Mark Thompson and His Family

01:37 Early School Challenges with Bluey

04:09 Navigating Autism Diagnosis and School Supports

07:13 Struggles with School and Transition to Homeschooling

15:32 Homeschooling Journey and Personal Reflections

19:51 The Importance of Community and Support

22:09 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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,...

Dr. Ross Greene, founder of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model joins host Leisa Reichelt and guest Louise Rogers from School Can't Australia in this episode of the School Can't Experience podcast.

Dr. Greene explains the philosophy behind CPS, focusing on identifying and solving problems that cause challenging behaviours rather than just addressing the behaviours themselves. He discusses practical strategies for engaging children and young people in problem-solving, the importance of seeking information from the young person, and the importance of not imposing solutions unilaterally. 

Dr. Greene also highlights creative methods for communicating with reluctant children and the role of mutual satisfaction in finding effective solutions.

We also discuss how to involve schools in the CPS process, and potentially readjust our expectations around school attendance as we learn more.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can't Experience Podcast
00:27 Introduction to Dr. Ross Greene and CPS Model
01:13 Understanding the CPS Approach
01:58 Addressing School Refusal and Unsolved Problems
04:19 Collaborative Problem Solving with Kids
07:37 Creative Strategies for Engaging Kids
11:01 Prioritizing and Solving Multiple Problems
19:36 Involving Schools in the CPS Process
27:11 Managing Expectations and Flexibility
39:01 Resources and Final Thoughts


Recommended Resources
- Lives in the Balance (CPS Resources) - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- The Essential Conversation by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot - http://www.saralawrencelightfoot.com/essential-conversation.html

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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 clinical psychologist Adelle Sushames to discuss innovative methods for improving communication with neurodivergent children. 

Adelle shares her journey, introduces the card decks she has created (Spoon Thieves, Spoon Savers, ND Me), and explains how these tools help children articulate their experiences and needs. 

The conversation covers the challenges of traditional deficit models in psychology, the importance of affirming language, and practical strategies for parents and educators to foster better understanding and support for autistic and ADHD kids. 

Adelle shares valuable insights into how we can facilitate communication when communication is hard, and the benefits of using non-verbal tools to reduce stress for both children and caregivers.

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

00:27 Introducing Adelle Sushames: Clinical Psychologist and Card Deck Creator

01:09 Adelle's Journey to Understanding Neurodivergence

06:17 Challenges in Communication with Neurodivergent Kids

14:16 Using Spoon Theory to Understand Energy Drain

21:46 Spoon Savers: Tools to Replenish Energy

23:36 Applying Card Decks in Real Life

27:07 Empowering Schools with Spoons at School Cards

29:17 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Join Adelle’s mailing list or buy her card decks: https://www.neurodivergentally.com/ 
• Adelle on Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergent_ally/
• Student Stress Investigation card deck (Tiffany Westphal) https://www.studentstressinvestigation.com.au/
• Dr Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain - https://drdansiegel.com/hand-model-of-the-brain/

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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 chats with clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson, co-host of the Neurodivergent Woman Podcast. 

They 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. 

This conversation is invaluable for parents, caregivers, and educators striving to support neurodivergent students effectively.

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/
• The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast - https://www.ndwomanpod.com/

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 School Can’t Australia’s Tiffany Westphal and expert guest, Anna Clarke, to discuss the importance of neurodiversity affirming care. 

Anna, a psychologist and play therapist, shares her personal and professional journey as a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD individual. The conversation explores the principles and challenges of neuro affirming care, the role of play therapy in connecting with neurodivergent children, and the significance of consent in therapeutic settings. 

Parents and carers will gain valuable insights into advocating for their neurodivergent children and finding the right professional support.

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

01:09 Meet Anna Clarke: A Journey to Neurodivergent Affirming Care

02:43 Understanding Play Therapy

08:30 The Importance of Consent in Therapy

17:20 Challenges in Finding Neurodiversity Affirming Practitioners

33:20 Guidance for Parents Seeking Neurodiversity Affirming Practitioners

37:15 Conclusion and Resources

Recommended Resources

• Divergent Futures - https://www.divergentfutures.com/
• How to be a good neurodivergent ally (PDF) - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/650b364b717f4b135be85c38/t/6800c11b72e0f14456551c18/1744879917597/How+to+be+a+good+ally+Neuroaffirming+edition.pdf

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 speaks with Jackie Hall, founder of the Parental Stress Center. 

Jackie shares her journey to understanding the four ‘stressful thinking lenses’ that can make difficult parenting situations much more stressful, and how we can shift our mindset to alleviate distress. Jackie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and challenges traditional beliefs about parenting and child behavior. 

Jackie also offers practical advice on finding moments of joy and reframing negative experiences to boost our emotional resilience. 

Recommended Resources

• Parental Stress Centre - https://www.parentalstresscentre.com/
• Beneath Behaviour Podcast - https://www.parentalstresscentre.com/beneath-behaviour-podcasts-with-jackie-hall/

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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,...