The School Can't Experience
The School Can't Experience
Podcast Description
For parents and caregivers of young people who struggle to attend school, and related education and health professionals. We share their experiences and insights into what is going on for our young people and how we can offer support.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as advocacy for school accommodations, emotional distress in young people, and effective support strategies for parents. Episodes cover specific topics including alternative educational pathways, understanding the nervous system's impact on attendance, and collaborative approaches to problem-solving between parents and schools.
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.
Host Leisa Reichelt is joined by 18-year-old Althea and her mum, Claire to talk about about Althea’s School Can’t experience through high school in Melbourne.
After early positive years at school COVID stuck, meaning much of Years 7–8 were done on Zoom, disrupting connection and engagement with school. By Years 9–10 sensory overwhelm was escalating but getting accommodations involved battles, meanwhile academic pressures and worsening mental health led made it harder and harder for Althea to attend school.
Following ADHD and autism diagnoses, Althea and Claire explored alternatives and ultimately were able to do homeschooling with a part-time (dual) enrolment so Althea could continue VCE Outdoor Ed and stay connected to friends and meaningful roles like library volunteering. Working with educational therapy and towards the Big Picture learning credential, Althea pursued interest-based learning, fundraising, conferences, and career exploration, and has now started TAFE study in Allied Health Assistance.
This is a hopeful story that shows how by finding the right path rather than just pushing on with mainstream approaches, our young people can overcome extremely difficult experiences and go on to thrive.
People & resources mentioned in this episode:
- Althea’s Macquarie Island Conference Presentation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hpMILLuykU
- U&I Educational Therapy – https://www.uandi.com.au/educationaltherapy
- Mitagundi Outdoor Education Centre – https://www.mittagundi.org.au/
- Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre – https://wollangarra.org/
- Big Picture Australia – https://www.bigpicture.org.au/
- Big Picture International Learning Credential – https://www.bigpicture.org.au/what-international-big-picture-learning-credential
- 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.
Disclaimer
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