#74 - School Can't is not a Choice with Raechel Smart
The School Can't Experience Podcast
150 views
Raechel Smart is a former primary school teacher, a parent to three neurodivergent children who has navigated years of school non-attendance from the other side of the fence, and is now completing her PhD on school non-attendance in autistic children at Griffith University's Autism Centre of Excellence. That combination gives her a genuinely rare vantage point, and this conversation makes the most of it.
One of Raechel's most striking research findings is that many teachers hold an underlying belief that non-attendance is ultimately the child's choice. She traces exactly how that belief forms - a child who presents as fine when they're at school, a teacher who can't see what more they could do to support them - and how it leads directly to the child being blamed rather than supported.
Her proposed reframe is the environment. Not blaming teachers, not asking for structural changes outside anyone's control, but asking: what is it about this environment - the noise, the social load, the pace, the unpredictability - that isn't working for this student? That question is less threatening to raise and often more actionable.
The practical suggestions throughout are genuinely modest: a Teams message, a check-in email, a questionnaire done at home and brought to the teacher. For parents, Raechel has one key tip: frame conversations with schools around the environment rather than around what the teacher is doing wrong. It triggers less defensiveness, and it tends to actually get somewhere.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
National Guidance for Inclusive Education for Autistic Students (Australia): https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-pra...
Reframing Autism - free courses and resources from an autistic-led organisation: reframingautism.com.au
Raechel Smart on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: raechel-smart-315ba4122
School Can’t Australia Resources:
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - Facebook: schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
School Can’t Australia resources on website: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au
If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.a...
If you or someone you love is feeling distressed, please reach out. You can call the Parent Helpline in your state, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or if you are under 25, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
If you have feedback or would like to share your own School Can't lived experience, email us at schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com.
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.
#74 - School Can't is not a Choice with Raechel Smart
The School Can't Experience Podcast
150 views
Raechel Smart is a former primary school teacher, a parent to three neurodivergent children who has navigated years of school non-attendance from the other side of the fence, and is now completing her PhD on school non-attendance in autistic children at Griffith University's Autism Centre of Excellence. That combination gives her a genuinely rare vantage point, and this conversation makes the most of it.
One of Raechel's most striking research findings is that many teachers hold an underlying belief that non-attendance is ultimately the child's choice. She traces exactly how that belief forms - a child who presents as fine when they're at school, a teacher who can't see what more they could do to support them - and how it leads directly to the child being blamed rather than supported.
Her proposed reframe is the environment. Not blaming teachers, not asking for structural changes outside anyone's control, but asking: what is it about this environment - the noise, the social load, the pace, the unpredictability - that isn't working for this student? That question is less threatening to raise and often more actionable.
The practical suggestions throughout are genuinely modest: a Teams message, a check-in email, a questionnaire done at home and brought to the teacher. For parents, Raechel has one key tip: frame conversations with schools around the environment rather than around what the teacher is doing wrong. It triggers less defensiveness, and it tends to actually get somewhere.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
National Guidance for Inclusive Education for Autistic Students (Australia): https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-pra...
Reframing Autism - free courses and resources from an autistic-led organisation: reframingautism.com.au
Raechel Smart on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: raechel-smart-315ba4122
School Can’t Australia Resources:
School Can’t Australia Facebook Community - Facebook: schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia
School Can’t Australia resources on website: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au
If this podcast or the School Can’t Australia community has helped you, please consider making a donation or volunteering to help. Find out more here: https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.a...
If you or someone you love is feeling distressed, please reach out. You can call the Parent Helpline in your state, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or if you are under 25, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
If you have feedback or would like to share your own School Can't lived experience, email us at schoolcantpodcast@gmail.com.
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.