The School Can't Experience

• #19 - Executive Function at School with Emma Brooksby

  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 Podcast00:55 Meet Emma Brooksby: From Principal to Advocate01:20 Emma's Journey with ADHD and Executive Function02:16 COVID-19 and the Opportunity for Educational Change05:22 Founding U & I Educational Partners06:14 Understanding Executive Function09:22 Impact of Executive Dysfunction in School14:01 Common Executive Function Challenges07:17 Supporting Kids with Executive Function Issues33:59 Alternative Educational Settings37:34 Resources for Parents and Caregivers38:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesU&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/1433822172Send us a textSupport the show 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] DisclaimerThe 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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• #18 - Lived Experience with Mark Thompson

  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 Family01:37 Early School Challenges with Bluey04:09 Navigating Autism Diagnosis and School Supports07:13 Struggles with School and Transition to Homeschooling15:32 Homeschooling Journey and Personal Reflections19:51 The Importance of Community and Support22:09 Closing Thoughts and ResourcesSend us a textSupport the show 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] DisclaimerThe 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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• #17 - Dr Ross Greene on Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) for School Can’t

  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 Podcast00:27 Introduction to Dr. Ross Greene and CPS Model01:13 Understanding the CPS Approach01:58 Addressing School Refusal and Unsolved Problems04:19 Collaborative Problem Solving with Kids07:37 Creative Strategies for Engaging Kids11:01 Prioritizing and Solving Multiple Problems19:36 Involving Schools in the CPS Process27:11 Managing Expectations and Flexibility39:01 Resources and Final ThoughtsRecommended Resources- Lives in the Balance (CPS Resources) - https://livesinthebalance.org/- The Essential Conversation by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot - http://www.saralawrencelightfoot.com/essential-conversation.htmlSend us a textSupport the show 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] DisclaimerThe 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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• #16 - Transforming Communication with Adelle Sushames, Neurodiverse Ally

  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 Podcast00:27 Introducing Adelle Sushames: Clinical Psychologist and Card Deck Creator01:09 Adelle's Journey to Understanding Neurodivergence06:17 Challenges in Communication with Neurodivergent Kids14:16 Using Spoon Theory to Understand Energy Drain21:46 Spoon Savers: Tools to Replenish Energy23:36 Applying Card Decks in Real Life27:07 Empowering Schools with Spoons at School Cards29:17 Conclusion and ResourcesRecommended ResourcesJoin 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/Send us a textSupport the show 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] DisclaimerThe 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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• #15 - Unpacking Resilience for Neurodivergent Kids with Monique Mitchelson

  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 Podcast00:27 Introducing Monique Mitchelson02:36 Understanding Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy05:30 Challenges of Mainstream Schooling for Neurodivergent Kids07:21 Defining and Misunderstanding Resilience11:38 Exposure Therapy and Its Limitations18:41 The Importance of a Supportive Environment25:41 Advocating for Neurodivergent Children30:58 Resources and Final ThoughtsRecommended ResourcesThe Autism CRC updated guidelines Supporting Autistic Children Guideline | Autism CRC - https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/supporting-childrenNational Autism Strategy | Department of Social Services - https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategyDr. Ross Greene - https://drrossgreene.com/Polyvagal Theory — Rhythm of Regulation Deb Dana - https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/polyvagal-theoryPolyvagal 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=1The Sensory Pyramid of Learning - Foundation for Development - DEVELOP LEARN GROW - Send us a textSupport the show 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] DisclaimerThe 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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