Understanding School Can't: Info Session

When your child begins to feel anxious or distressed about going to school, it can be a complex situation to navigate. In this Info Session, join Tiffany Westphal—parent, social worker and Director of School Can’t Australia—to explore what school can’t means and learn practical strategies for recognising and responding to the signs early on. 

This session will cover: 

• What school can’t is and how to recognise the first signals 

• Insight into the emotional experience of children  

• Identifying the issues that are impacting the child 

• The importance of seeking help early on 

Whether your child is just beginning to show signs of school distress, or you're looking to better understand what to look out for and how to seek help, this session offers insights, guidance, and reassurance for families. 

 
About the Speaker: 
 
Tiffany Westphal (she/her) is a Social Worker and the Director of School Can’t, a national organisation led by parents with lived experience of school attendance difficulties. Tiffany has deep experience supporting families of neurodivergent children, with a particular focus on school can't. She draws on both her experience as a parent and her professional work at a multidisciplinary child and family wellbeing clinic in Melbourne. Tiffany advocates for inclusive education and delivers training grounded in the voices of those with lived experience. She has also co-authored School Can’t Australia’s submission to the Senate Inquiry into School Refusal. 

Belongside Families (formerly known as Kindred) is an independent not-for-profit organisation providing free support for families raising children with disability, delay, or autism.

Register to attend live or receive the recording. 
Please note: The video replay will be available for a limited time and only sent to families who register. 

Who is this event for?

• Families of children with disability, developmental delay or autism across New South Wales. While this event is primarily designed for these families, we value inclusivity and welcome all families who would like to participate, including from other states across Australia. 

More information

• This event is held online using Zoom. 
• If you have accessibility needs, please advise during registration.
• Further questions? Contact us at: info@belongsidefamilies.org.au

We are proudly delivering projects for the Peer Support and Capacity Building (PSCB) grant for the NDIS. Together we’re ensuring that people with disability keep accessing supports to build their skills and connect with others who have shared similar experiences.  Peer Support and Capacity Building Grant Round | NDIS

Disclaimer: Belongside Families provides an opportunity for families raising children with disability to learn from each other and share their experiences and resources. Belongside Families does not provide personalised advice or services.