Episode Details

If your kid has been labelled ‘disruptive’, ‘too much’, or has a 'behaviour problem’ at school - this episode is for you.

In this raw, honest, and fiercely educational conversation, Jane is joined by Tania Waring - lawyer-turned-PhD researcher, mum of three neurodivergent boys, and longtime education advocate. They go into what’s really happening when ADHD and autistic kids are ‘acting out’ - and why so many schools are punishing trauma responses, not managing them.

This episode isn’t polite. It’s personal, practical, and painfully real. From school exclusions and behaviour plans to Human Rights Commission complaints and fighting for basic inclusion - this one’s for every parent who’s been dismissed, gaslit, and told their child doesn’t belong.

Trigger warning: briefly mentions suicide ideation of a child.

💡 What We Cover:

• The myth of ‘naughty kids’ vs the reality of burnout and nervous system collapse
• Why suspension and detention are discriminatory—not developmental
• How behaviour plans often become performance-management tools
• What schools are legally required to do under federal, state, and disability law.
• How to document, escalate, and advocate when you’re being stonewalled
• Tips for writing advocacy emails that get attention (without sounding ‘difficult’)
• What parents can realistically do when change feels impossible

Need support navigating school chaos?
Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.
Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/ 

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🔗 Sign our Change Petition here

  🎧 Listener Questions please send here

  🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here

  🔗 ADHD Mums Free Guides and Resources here

  📚 References & Further Reading

  • Disability Standards for Education 2005
    Read via the Department of Education – Australian Government

  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992
    View the full legislation on the Federal Register

  
  
• Disability & Education Laws Referenced (Qld Human Rights Act, DSE 2005, UN CRPD)
• 👩‍⚖️ Human Rights Co