The School Can't Experience
Kids & Family
About
For parents and caregivers of young people who struggle to attend school, and related education and health professionals. We share experiences and insights into what is going on for our young people and how we can offer support.
Episodes
- #57 - What families taught us: insights from our first 50 episodes
This episode of The School Can't Experience reflects on insights gained from 50 episodes, specifically focusing on the lived experiences of families. It highlights recurring themes despite diverse family backgrounds, locations, and individ…
- #56 - Why Teacher Relationships Matter with Dr Kate Renshaw
Dr. Kate Renshaw joins Leisa Reichelt to discuss the importance of teacher relationships and play therapy in supporting children and families struggling with school. She introduces the Teacher's Optimal Relationship Approach (TORA) and exp…
- #55 - Jodie's Lived Experience
In this episode, Jodie shares her lived experience of her daughter's mental health and school refusal crisis, and their journey through alternative education and recovery. She discusses the challenges faced and the unconventional pathways…
- #54 - Billy Garvey’s tips for supporting School Can’t Kids
Dr. Billy Garvey joins The School Can't Experience to discuss why children struggle at school and how the education system can better meet their emotional and developmental needs. He emphasizes early intervention, trusting parental instinc…
- #53 - Lucette's Lived Experience
Lucette discusses her experience as a mother of two neurodivergent girls, detailing the difficulties faced with schooling and the eventual positive impact of a supportive mainstream school environment and PDA-aligned communication.
- #52 - Laura's Lived Experience
Laura, a mother and nurse, discusses her family's efforts to support her 15-year-old daughter, Mimi, through school refusal. The episode explores the impact of neurodivergence and anxiety, the effectiveness of programs like Hands-on Learni…
- #51 - Jessica's Lived Experience
OT and parent Jessica shares her family's experience navigating neurodivergence, school distress, and the transition to homeschooling. The episode explores the challenges of seeking support, the impact of school environments, and finding n…
- #50 - Professor Linda Graham on Inclusive Education
Professor Linda Graham from the QUT Centre for Inclusive Education discusses how accessible teaching and assessment benefit neurodivergent students. She shares her personal experiences, explains legal rights for families, and outlines prac…
- #49 - Student Voice - Claire & Althea’s Lived Experience
Host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Althea and her mother, Claire, about Althea's experience with school refusal during high school. The episode details her transition from mainstream schooling to homeschool and interest-based learning, leadin…
- #48 - Rachel's Lived Experience - What an OT Can Do for School Can't
Rachel, an occupational therapist and parent, joins Leisa Reichelt to discuss her family's experience with school distress, the transition to home education, and the role of OT in supporting children with School Can't. They cover how occup…
- #47 - Insights from School Can't Research with Dawn Adams, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC)
Leisa Reichelt speaks with clinical psychologist Dawn Adams from the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) about the latest research on school distress and non-attendance. They explore the impact of school policy, the importance of…
- #46 Individual Learning Plans that really work with Emma-Rose Parsons
Psychologist Emma-Rose Parsons joins host Leisa Reichelt to discuss transforming Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) into effective, neurodiversity-affirming tools. They cover collaboration, goal setting, implementation challenges, and the ro…
- #45 - What I Wish I Knew Earlier - Lived Experience Panel
This episode features a live panel discussion from the 'Understanding School Can’t' ebook launch, where guests share personal stories and advice. The conversation covers navigating educational systems, managing stress, and the importance o…
- #44 - Understanding School Can't with Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers
Host Leisa Reichelt discusses the phenomenon of 'School Can't' with Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers of School Can't Australia. The episode covers early signs, common stressors, and the importance of parental well-being, drawing from the…
- 2025 Year End Update and Reflection
In this year-end episode, the podcast reflects on the past year and invites listeners to provide feedback and ideas for future episodes. The episode also highlights the launch of a new ebook from School Can't Australia and provides support…
- #43 - Wendy's Lived Experience
Wendy, a high school teacher and foster parent, recounts her experiences with her foster son Jax's school attendance struggles. The episode details their challenges with the education and foster care systems and their successful search for…
- #42 - Tanya Valentin on School Can't Parental Grief and Transformation
Host Leisa Reichelt speaks with Tanya Valentin about her family's experiences with neurodivergence and school burnout. They explore parental grief, shame, and transformation, discussing resources and support for families navigating educati…
- #41 - ICYMI - Home Education: Busting Myths and Misunderstandings with Pavlina McMaster
Leisa Reichelt hosts Pavlina McMaster, Coordinator at the Home Education Network, on the School Can't Experience podcast. They address and debunk five common myths surrounding home education.
- #40 - Kate Broderick on relationship based teaching
Leisa Reichelt hosts Kate Broderick, a speech and occupational therapist, to discuss the move from behaviorism to relationship-based teaching. They explore advocating for educational change, the significance of trust and nervous system saf…
- #39 - Melisa & Jamie's Lived Experience
Melisa and Jamie recount their journey through conventional schooling challenges due to autism, the transition to successful homeschooling, and Jamie's subsequent early university admission and Rhodes Scholarship. The episode highlights th…
- #38 - Successful School Transitions with Louise White and Tiffany Westphal
The School Can't Experience Podcast episode features Louise White and Tiffany Westphal discussing strategies for successful school transitions, focusing on preparation and support for neurodivergent children.
- #37 - Home Education for Neurodivergent Kids with Pav & Heidi from the Home Education Network
Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan from the Home Education Network join host Leisa Reichelt to discuss home education for neurodivergent children. They share personal experiences on benefits, challenges, motivation, learning processes, and pa…
- #36 - Happiness First Education with Hugh Viney, Minerva Virtual Academy
Leisa Reichelt interviews Hugh Viney, CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, about the school's 'happiness first' ethos. MVA caters to students not served by mainstream schools, focusing on self-directed online learning, live lessons, mentoring,…
- #35 - Unschooling Ourselves with Esther Jones
Esther Jones joins the School Can
- #34 - NeuroWild’s Em Hammond on the problem with ‘Just Have a Go’
Em Hammond from Neurowild joined the podcast to discuss the challenges neurodivergent children face in educational settings. The conversation focuses on why the phrase ‘Just Have a Go’ can be problematic, ableist, and even traumatizing for…
- #33 - Listener Favourite - Monique Mitchelson
This episode features clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson discussing resilience and neurodiversity, particularly for young people. It covers challenges in mainstream schooling, the limitations of exposure therapy, and the need for neu…
- #32 - How GPs can support School Can't families with Dr Kara Johns
Dr. Kara Johns joins host Leisa Reichelt to discuss how General Practitioners can support families experiencing School Can't. They cover the importance of GP-family relationships, navigating the Australian health system, and the impact of…
- #31 - Insights from the Australian Network for School Attendance Conference
Leisa Reichelt hosts Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers to discuss the Australian Network for School Attendance Conference. They share insights on student attendance, the impact of stress, lived experience in policy, and challenges in scho…
- #30 - Simone & Yani's Lived Experience
Simone and her teenager Yani share their experiences with school struggles, including separation anxiety and dyslexia, and their journey through home education to find a workable path forward. The episode highlights their resilience and re…
- #29 - Symone Wheatley-Hey's Lived Experience
Symone Wheatley-Hey discusses her personal experiences as a sole parent of neurodivergent children, focusing on navigating home education, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and the process of reintegrating her children into the school s…
- #28 - Dr Naomi Fisher on Parental Burnout
Dr. Naomi Fisher joins the podcast to discuss parental burnout, covering signs, symptoms, and the impact of school and home education. Strategies for self-care, managing stress, and combating burnout are explored, with practical tips for p…
- #27 - Diana's Lived Experience
This episode features Diana, a mother of two, discussing her son James's School Can’t experiences. She details early challenges, difficulties with mainstream schooling, and the process of seeking support through Distance Education, includi…
- #26 - Kate & Daniel's Lived Experience
Kate and Daniel share their experiences as parents of neurodivergent children, discussing their challenges with the traditional school system and their transition to home education. The episode covers daily life, low demand parenting, stra…
- #25 - Nicola's Lived Experience
In this episode, Nicola shares her family's challenges with School Can't, discussing difficulties in supporting her children's well-being and education, mindset shifts, and the relief of embracing Home Education. The conversation also touc…
- #24 - Jane's Lived Experience
Jane discusses her experiences as a parent navigating the school system with her son Johnny, who has ADHD and autism. She recounts their challenges and eventual success in finding a supportive educational setting where he now thrives.
- #23 - Eliza Fricker's Lived Experience
Eliza Fricker discusses her experiences with 'School Can't' and her daughter's educational journey, highlighting challenges, the impact on parents, and the move to a trauma-informed setting.
- #22 - Lived Experience Common Themes
This episode features six parents discussing their challenges and discoveries while supporting children with school attendance issues. It explores common themes such as masking, parent blaming, and nervous system responses, highlighting a…
- #21 - School Based Stressors with Tiffany Westphal
Tiffany Westphal joins Leisa Reichelt to discuss the six main school-based stressors found in a survey for the Senate Inquiry into School Refusal. They cover research findings and strategies for supporting students experiencing distress.
- #20 - Lived Experience with Lisa McLean
This episode features Lisa McLean discussing her daughter Mia's challenges with school attendance and anxiety, covering their family's journey through identification, high school difficulties, and the eventual transition to alternative edu…
- #19 - Executive Function at School with Emma Brooksby
Emma Brooksby, an advocate with ADHD and former principal, joins The School Can't Experience to discuss the impact of executive function demands in educational settings and strategies for student support.
- #18 - Lived Experience with Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson shares his family's journey with their autistic daughter, codenamed Bluey, detailing struggles with the education system and their eventual decision to homeschool. He highlights the importance of trusting parental instincts a…
- #17 - Dr Ross Greene on Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) for School Can’t
This episode features Dr. Ross Greene discussing his Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. He explains the philosophy of addressing the root causes of challenging behaviors rather than the behaviors themselves and offers pract…
- #16 - Transforming Communication with Adelle Sushames, Neurodiverse Ally
Clinical psychologist Adelle Sushames joins host Leisa Reichelt to discuss improving communication with neurodivergent children. Adelle introduces her card decks designed to help children express their experiences and needs, challenging tr…
- #15 - Unpacking Resilience for Neurodivergent Kids with Monique Mitchelson
Leisa Reichelt hosts Monique Mitchelson to discuss resilience in neurodivergent children, critiquing traditional educational approaches and advocating for neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- #14 Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy with Anna Clarke, Divergent Futures
Host Leisa Reichelt and Tiffany Westphal speak with psychologist Anna Clarke about neurodiversity affirming care, its principles and challenges, and the role of play therapy and consent. Clarke, who is autistic and ADHD, shares her persona…
- #13 - Reducing Parental Stress with Jackie Hall, Parental Stress Centre
Jackie Hall, founder of the Parental Stress Centre, shares insights on managing parental stress by understanding and shifting "stressful thinking lenses." The episode emphasizes self-awareness, challenging traditional parenting beliefs, an…
- #12 - Understanding Deschooling with Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan
In this episode of The School Can't Experience, host Leisa Reichelt talks with Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan about Deschooling, the initial phase of transitioning to Home Education. They share personal experiences, discuss overcoming tra…
- #11 - Lived Experience - Solving problems using low demand parenting and collaboration with Marissa Taylor Part 2
In the second part of a Lived Experience episode, Marissa Taylor shares how discovering low demand parenting and Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) method was transformative. She details practical applications of C…
- #10 - Lived Experience - School Can’t Domino Effect with Marissa Taylor Part 1
In Part 1 of this lived experience episode, Marissa Taylor discusses her family's unique journey with School Can't, detailing her children's individual experiences and her own learning curve into home education. Part 2 will explore the tra…
- #9 - Lived Experience - Trusting our guts and tuning out the noise with Jennie Plummer
Jennie Plummer shares her daughter Bethany's School Can't Experience, detailing her ADHD and autism diagnosis, burnout, and subsequent equine-supported recovery. Jennie highlights the importance of trusting her intuition and disregarding e…