The School Can't Experience

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,...

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 thems...

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...

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 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 princi...

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...

In this episode, host Leisa Reichelt is joined by Pavlina McMaster and Heidi Ryan to explore the concept of Deschooling. This is the first step in the transition to Home Education but the core concepts of Deschooling are valuable and reassuring to any School Can’t parent. Pavlina and Heidi share their personal journeys and insights into how they successfully navigated Deschooling, addressed trauma...

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 CP...

In this Lived Experience episode Marissa Taylor shares her family’s experience of School Can’t as her various children each subsequently but very uniquely have their own School Can’t Experiences. Marissa shares the very different experiences she’s had dealing with schools in this journey and her learning curve into Home Education.  This is Part 1 of our discussion with Marissa. In Part 2 she will...

In this Lived Experience episode we meet Jennie Plummer who shares her experience of supporting youngest daughter, Bethany, through her School Can’t Experience. Including her ADHD and Autism diagnosis, burnout, and equine supported recovery. Along the way Jennie learned to listen, trust her gut and tune out the loud opinions of others around her. Send us Fan Mail Support the show School Can’t Aust...

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 o...

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 discus...

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...

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 Educatio...

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 wha...

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 e...

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...

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 th...