Leisa Reichelt speaks with autism researcher and clinical psychologist Dawn Adams (OTARC, La Trobe University) about what the latest School Can’t research is showing. 

Dawn shares international insights on how neuro-normative school policy and assessment can drive school distress, and why lived experience and co-designed research matter. She outlines OTARC findings that child anxiety can predict later school non-attendance years in advance, and that an autism-specific, parent-based anxiety prevention program in the preschool years was linked to far fewer school attendance challenges. 

They also discuss fluctuating capacity, autonomy, and student-identified school stressors from the Student Stress Investigation cards—highlighting that many improvements are low-cost and start with schools better understanding when students ‘seem okay’ but aren’t.

00:00 Welcome to the School Can’t Experience Podcast + Meet Dawn Adams (OTARC)

01:08 Dawn’s Journey: Clinical Psychologist to Autism Research Leader

04:05 Why Lived Experience Must Shape Research (and What Data Gets Missed)

06:11 Participatory Research & Co-Design: Catching Up in Autism Research

08:09 Conference Takeaways: Policy, Assessment Inequity & Systemic Drivers

13:26 Fluctuating Capacity: Autonomy, Trust, and the ‘Spoons’ Language

16:58 OTARC’s School Can’t Research: Longitudinal Findings & Anxiety Prevention

21:51 Practical Anxiety Supports: Intolerance of Uncertainty, Language & Modeling

27:49 Choice, Control & Advocacy: Building Safety and a Trusted Adult at School

32:33 Student Stress Investigation Cards: Top Stressors & What Kids Want Changed

39:04 Key Takeaways for Schools: Low-Cost Changes That Reduce Stress

40:47 How to Get Involved + Wrap-Up, Resources, and Support Lines

People & resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dawn Adams on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-adams-207653264
• Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) - https://www.latrobe.edu.au/otarc

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• 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 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.