The School Can't Experience
School Can't Australia
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.
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Top 10 The School Can't Experience Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The School Can't Experience episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The School Can't Experience for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The School Can't Experience episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
#13 - Reducing Parental Stress with Jackie Hall, Parental Stress Centre
The School Can't Experience
05/12/25 • 37 min
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/
- 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.
#6 - Lived Experience - Our Journey to Unschooling with Jane Nicholson
The School Can't Experience
03/17/25 • 29 min
In this first 'Lived Experience' episode, Jane Nicholson, mother of three neurodivergent boys, shares her family's challenges with mainstream schooling and their decision to home educate two of their sons due to ‘School Can’t’ induced stress and trauma.
Jane discusses the deschooling process, creating a flexible educational Unschooling environment, the challenges of finding your Home Education ‘tribe’ and the mental health benefits of Home Education.
If you have a School Can't Experience that you'd like to share on a future Lived Experience episode, you can email us at [email protected]
Useful resources:
- Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) framework - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- Dr Naomi Fisher’s book, ‘Changing Our Minds’ - https://naomifisher.co.uk/books/changing-our-minds/
- Accidental Homeschool - Jane’s blog about their experience with home education - https://www.accidentalhomeschool.com/
- 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.
#4 - Unpacking Psychological Safety
The School Can't Experience
02/05/25 • 19 min
In this episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, hosted by Leisa Reichelt and featuring Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers from School Can't Australia, we discuss:
- Taking the lead and leaning on supporters when engaging with schools,
- Optimistic stories of alternative schools that cater well to children with School Can't,
- Understanding the need for psychological safety and what creates or destroys safety at school.
- 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.
#11 - Lived Experience - Solving problems using low demand parenting and collaboration with Marissa Taylor Part 2
The School Can't Experience
04/28/25 • 36 min
In this second part of Marissa Taylor’s Lived Experience episode we learn about how discovering low demand parenting and particularly the importance of collaboration through Dr Ross Greene’s CPS (Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) method was transformative for Marissa at a time when she was unsure how best to support her School Can’t children. Marissa shares some interesting ways she’s used CPS in her family and shares how she maintains confidence in taking a non conventional approach to parenting.
Recommended Resources
- Dr Ross Green - Lives in the Balance website for CPS - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- https://illumelearning.com.au/ CPS workshops with Dr Ross Green, and more - https://illumelearning.com.au/
- Dr Dan Siegel - https://drdansiegel.com/
- Dr Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Institute - https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/
- Dr Mona Delahooke - https://monadelahooke.com/
- Dr Vanessa Lapointe - https://drvanessalapointe.com/
- The Educating Parents Homeschooling and Unschooling group (Facebook) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheEducatingParents/
- 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.
#8 - Understanding burnout in our young people with Dr Naomi Fisher
The School Can't Experience
04/07/25 • 44 min
Dr. Naomi Fisher joins host Leisa Reichelt and School Can’t Australia director Tiffany Westphal to explore how school can contribute to burnout in young people. They discuss recognizing burnout, distinguishing it from anxiety or depression, and what parents can do to help.
Dr. Fisher, a clinical psychologist specializing in child development, trauma, and self-directed education, supports parents of neurodivergent children struggling in traditional schooling. She advocates for alternative education approaches that prioritize autonomy and well-being. Her books, including Changing Our Minds and A Different Way to Learn, empower parents to rethink education, while her latest, The Teenager's Guide to Burnout, offers essential guidance on stress and recovery.
Recommended Resources:
- Naomi’s website (books, courses, webinars) - https://naomifisher.co.uk/
- Think Again: Naomi’s substack/newsletter - https://naomicfisher.substack.com
- 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.
#2 - From Awareness to Action
The School Can't Experience
02/04/25 • 30 min
In the second episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast, host Leisa Reichelt, joined by Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers, explore:
- the critical role parents and carers play in supporting young people struggling with 'School Can't' ,
- recognizing early signs of distress, understanding the importance of the young person's perspective,
- and the pitfalls of dismissing their struggles as phase-based behavior problems,
- the importance of shared language about the nervous system, co-regulation strategies,
- the inadequacy of reward-based systems, and
- a call to prioritize a child's well-being over school attendance metrics.
Useful resources:
- Student Stress Investigation Cards by Tiffany Westphal - https://www.studentstressinvestigation.com.au/
- Lives in the Balance (Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- 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.
#7 - Lived Experience - Connecting with passion to overcome burnout with Emma Gilmour
The School Can't Experience
03/31/25 • 30 min
In this episode, host Leisa Reichelt interviews Emma Gilmour, mum to two neurodivergent teens. Emma shares her experience supporting her younger daughter through her journey through discovering her neurodivergence, her School Can’t experience and autistic burnout, and how connecting with passion while reducing demands has helped her daughter to find her way back.
Content warning: includes discussion of self harm and suicidal thoughts, though not discussed in detail. Take care when listening and please reach out for support if you need it.
Emma’s recommended resources:
- Kristy Forbes - In Tune with PDA - https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/pda
- Eliza Fricker’s books - https://missingthemark.co.uk
- Dr Naomi Fisher (books, webinars, courses) - https://naomifisher.co.uk/
- Viv Dawes - Autistic Burnout resources - https://www.autisticadvocate.co.uk/autistic-burnout
- 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.
#5 - Home Education: Busting Myths and Misunderstandings with Pavlina McMaster
The School Can't Experience
03/03/25 • 33 min
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!
- 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.
#3 - Advocating for Accommodations
The School Can't Experience
02/05/25 • 30 min
Welcome to the third episode of the School Can't Experience Podcast by School Can't Australia. Hosted by Leisa Reichelt and featuring Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers. This episode explores:
- strategies for working with schools to obtain supports and accommodations for children struggling with school attendance,
- personal stories and practical advice,
- discuss legislative protections to empower parents in advocating effectively for their children's needs,
- the necessity of ongoing reassessment of accommodations, and
- alternative educational pathways
Useful resources:
- Disability Standards for Education Act (Australia) - https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2005L00767/latest/text
- NCCD - Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (Australia) - https://www.nccd.edu.au/
- Lives in the Balance (Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- 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.
#1 - Getting to grips with School Can't
The School Can't Experience
02/04/25 • 27 min
In the inaugural episode of the School Can't Experience podcast, host Leisa Reichelt introduces the concept of 'School Can't' alongside guests Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers.
The discussion delves into:
- The intense challenges and emotional distress faced by young people who struggle to attend school including sharing personal experiences,
- Why we say 'School Can't' instead of 'School Refusal',
- Understanding the nervous system, the importance of addressing the root causes of distress, and the role of adults in providing a supportive environment,
- Common stress factors in school environments,
- Practical strategies for parents,
- The importance of preserving the parent-child relationship and co-regulating for better outcomes.
Useful resources:
- Student Stress Investigation Cards by Tiffany Westphal - https://www.studentstressinvestigation.com.au/
- Lives in the Balance (Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) - https://livesinthebalance.org/
- 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.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The School Can't Experience have?
The School Can't Experience currently has 13 episodes available.
What topics does The School Can't Experience cover?
The podcast is about Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts, Education and Neurodiversity.
What is the most popular episode on The School Can't Experience?
The episode title '#4 - Unpacking Psychological Safety' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The School Can't Experience?
The average episode length on The School Can't Experience is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of The School Can't Experience released?
Episodes of The School Can't Experience are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The School Can't Experience?
The first episode of The School Can't Experience was released on Feb 4, 2025.
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