Homeschooling is on the rise in Australia- a deep dive with Alecia Hancock

Why are more Australian families choosing homeschooling and alternative education pathways?In this episode of Let’s Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the rise in homeschooling, school refusal, and “school can’t” among children and teenagers across Australia. Joined by Alecia Hancock, owner of ND Perspectives in Perth, this conversation dives into the emotional and practical realities families face when mainstream school no longer feels safe, sustainable, or appropriate for their child. Together, they discuss neurodiversity, anxiety, school disengagement, sensory overwhelm, and the difficult decisions parents are increasingly making in order to protect their child’s wellbeing. This episode is not about whether mainstream school is “good” or “bad.” It’s about understanding why more families are reconsidering traditional education and what support children may need when school becomes overwhelming.In This Episode We DiscussThe rise in homeschooling registrations across AustraliaWhy more children and teens are disengaging from mainstream schoolThe difference between “school refusal” and “school can’t”How autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory overwhelm can impact schoolingThe hidden challenges neurodivergent children face in classroomsAutism burnout and its impact on mental health and attendanceTransitioning from primary school to high schoolThe emotional impact on parents navigating these decisionsWhat homeschooling can actually look like in AustraliaSocialisation myths around homeschoolingThe role of allied health professionals in supporting familiesKey TakeawaysMany families do not feel they are “choosing” homeschooling, but responding to a child in distressSchool environments are often designed for neurotypical learners, which can create ongoing overwhelm for some childrenBurnout in autistic children and teens is real and can significantly affect functioning and wellbeingHomeschooling and alternative education pathways are becoming increasingly common in AustraliaThere is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to education and wellbeingProtecting a child’s mental health and sense of self may require flexibility and individualised approachesTopics CoveredWhat is “School Can’t”?A growing term used to describe children who are not simply refusing school, but who genuinely cannot cope with the demands of the environment due to overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, or neurodivergent needs.Neurodiversity and Mainstream SchoolThis episode explores how sensory sensitivities, transitions, social expectations, classroom environments, uniforms, noise, and lack of flexibility can impact autistic and ADHD children.Autism BurnoutAlecia shares how burnout gradually built over time for her son and how stepping away from mainstream schooling helped him reconnect with his personality, humour, and wellbeing.The conversation covers:Registration processesCurriculum requirementsFlexible learning approachesInterest-based learningSocial opportunities for homeschooled childrenThe realities of balancing work and homeschoolingHelpful ResourcesND Perspectives – https://www.ndperspective.com.au/Let’s Reconnect Podcast Instagram – @letsreconnect_podBreanna Jayne Sada – @breanna.jayne_psychologistRaising Children's Network - School Refusal GuideUnderstanding School Can't - Headspace This episode may be helpful for:Parents concerned about school refusal or school can’tFamilies navigating neurodiversity and educationTeachers and school wellbeing staffAllied health professionalsParents considering homeschooling or alternative schooling pathwaysAnyone wanting to better understand the emotional realities behind school disengagementIf this conversation resonated with you, share this episode with another parent, teacher, or professional who may benefit from hearing it.And if your family has experienced homeschooling, school refusal, alternative education, or transitioning back into mainstream school, Breanna would love to hear your story.Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out.Disclaimer:The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation.If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.