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Lou Kuchel

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Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholePDA and CPS with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam KirbyIn this episode Lou discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby.  What is PDA?  Is it a real diagnosis?  Comparing PDA to ODD.  Helping families to access the right support if they suspect PDA in their child or have had a recent diagnosis.  The discussion then moves to Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) and how this model works for PDAers, how educators are benefiting from CPS in schools when working with PDA students as well as the upcoming visit to WA by Dr Ross Greene!Please sign and share this petition to bring...2023-03-201h 00Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeWestern Australian Warrior with parent advocate, Symone Wheatley-HeyThis is the episode where Lou announces her recent diagnosis of terminal lung cancer but the focus of this episode is a discussion between Lou and parent Advocate, Symone Wheatley-Hey.  Symone discusses her struggles with the WA education system and the efforts of the WA Square Peg Round Whole group to engage with Education Minister, Sue Ellery.Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to N...2022-10-121h 02Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe delightful Yenn Purkis (they/them)Please sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.au In this episode, Lou talks to Yenn Purkis.  Yenn Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families. Yenn is the author of ‘Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome’ – an autobiography, ‘The Wonderful...2022-08-051h 03Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Neurodivergent Doctor with Dr Sarah BernardPlease sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.auCall to Action: Towards the end of this episode, Sarah and Lou make a plea for listeners to contact the Minister for Education in WA.  Here's the contact details so that you can write to Minister Sue Ellery:Address:12th Floor, Dumas House, 2 Havelock S...2022-07-0952 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeValue the De-valued with parent and advocate, Lisa BridlePlease sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.auThis is a long episode but worth every minute of your time!  Whilst this episode focuses on education and will be particularly useful to Queenlanders, there's messages, tips and knowledge shared here that is for anyone who needs to understand devaluation of people with disabilities, disability discrimination i...2022-06-251h 21Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeA Mother's Love with Jane HancockPlease sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.auThis episode is a conversation between two loving mums.  Lou talks to Jane Hancock, mum to previous guest, Shadia Hancock.  It's an honest, and cathartic chat and reflection of times gone by.  This episode will give young families hope, support and optimism for the future.   It was an a...2022-06-1055 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeCPS is coming to Australia! with Dr Ross GreenePlease sign and share this petition to bring Collaborative Proactive Solutions to Australian Schools!https://www.change.org/CPSinAustralianschoolsPlease write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) be introduced to NSW schools: office@mitchell.minister.nsw.gov.auLou has been working towards this interview for a long time and her determination has paid off.  She secured a meeting to introduce Dr Greene to the NSW Department of Education and staff from the NSW Education MInister's office.  Dr Greene will explain CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) an...2022-05-2654 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeI will NEVER give up! with Dr David RoyDr David Roy has lived through the worst trauma possible; knowledge that his son was allegedly abused whilst attending his special school aged 3 years old.  This episode shares shocking details but also the inspirational advocacy that came from it.  Lou and David discuss the events that led to David and his wife's drive for a Parliamentary Inquiry following the alleged abuse and neglect of their son and the ongoing agitation that David has found necessary to force change and reforms in NSW education.There's also discussion of the Disability Royal Commission.  Please listen to the Family Advocacy pod...2022-05-121h 06Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeWe Don't Yet Know What We Don't Yet Know, Bridges Learning System with Dr Katrina Martin and Kat HarhaiLou interviews Katrina and Kat from the Bridges Learning System.  On the same journey as Lou, moving away from behaviourism and towards neurodiversity affirming practices, these two clever women have created a wonderful curriculum for neurodivergent children.  The "Insight Sprites" take children through an affirming process where they discover neurodiversity and through interactions with the characters, learn to accept and embrace difference.  The curriculum has been developed with input and guidance from neurodivergent adults and can be accessed easily online, available to teachers, families and therapists.  The discussion moves from an overview of the curriculum, unpacking behaviour and even touc...2022-04-201h 08Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeAutistic Adjectives and an I CAN Attitude with Chris VarneyFinally the wonderful Chris Varney is on the podcast!  Lou and Chris talk about the foundation of the I CAN Network, Chris's life growing up, self acceptance and development of Autistic identity and how he learned that it's more important to be proud of what you CAN do than what you CAN'T!  If you haven't checked out the I CAN Network for the Autistic person in your life, you're missing out.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Please join the Square Peg Round Whole podcast Facebook private group: https://www.facebook.com/gr...2022-04-1552 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeDancing in the Grey with entrepreneurial educator, Peter HuttonIf you think you can help the Future Schools Alliance with a financial donation, to create a new education system that will be able to teach our Square Pegs, please go to this link and donate now!https://www.mycause.com.au/p/281370/lets-build-a-new-model-of-schooling?fbclid=IwAR0OUiQWRHjSdhgw4cDbEny3ybz9Cwhi2vRaB98D9sDFbo-Q2ENFpwALYj0Lou and Peter Hutton energetically discuss Australian education and everything that must change!  Peter Hutton is a rebel with a cause and he passionately believes in a better education system for this country.  Rather than wait for that to ha...2022-03-311h 00Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeMy Spirited Child, Rebecca Perkins and ADHD Conferences!Lou and Ash Kuchel will be speaking at the "My Spirited Child" Victoria ADHD Conference and what better way to discuss the excitement than to invite the founder and organiser, Rebecca Perkins on to the podcast!In this episode, Lou chats to Rebecca about her journey parenting and leading the way in education of the broader community about ADHD and other neurodivergences.  Rebecca's accomplishments are so impressive and she is another woman on a mission to educate, smash stigma and draw on the strengths of neurodivergence in everything that she does.Lou and Rebecca also d...2022-03-2440 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Black and White of Inclusion with teacher and advocate, Sarah HumphreysLou interviews Sarah Humphreys from Inclusive Schools Australia.  Sarah has an uncanny way of just making inclusive education to be so black and white and easy to implement.  She would argue, that's because it is!   She talks about the "50 Shades of Grey" around non-inclusion and how to avoid that. Sarah accurately and simply describes Universal Design for Learning and how universally designing anything will benefit the whole population.  Sarah also explains the problem with alternative curriculums like LifeSkills in NSW and Ables in Victoria.  Lots of practical advice and reassurance that us advocating for inclusion is an...2022-03-1741 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeKnow Better, Do Better with Dr Melanie HeyworthIn this episode, Lou an Mel discuss Mel's early life and how her passion that led to a PhD in medieval studies soon changed to a brand new world of Autism once her children were born and  four members of the family were identified as Autistic.  The discussion continues as Mel shares her experiences from behaviourism to neurodiversity affirming approaches, peaceful parenting, home schooling and the birth of the organisation she founded, Reframing Autism.  Mel is now studying a second PhD but this time in the field of parenting and Autism.  She is a passionate, knowledgeable and articulate advocate for...2022-03-031h 04Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeVapes, Alcohol, Drugs with Paul DillonWith a neurodivergent lens over the whole conversation, Paul and Lou explore the risk taking behaviour of our teens.  They discuss alcohol, weed, vaping and cocaine in detail and then go on to focus on the Year 9s, sleep overs and the inevitable driving risks and drug testing that can get, especially those taking ADHD medications in hot water.  Finally they finish with an often neglected topic around drug interactions, especially relevant to youth taking ADHD medications, anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.  It's a very long episode but every word is an eye opener.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!2022-02-171h 21Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThriving with ADHD with Lou BrownToday is a discussion between the two Lous!!  Lou Kuchel speaks to Lou Brown about ADHD.  When Lou B was a child, she was misunderstood.  That led to shame and a poor self image.  After discovering her son was ADHD, she realised she's also neurodivergent and that led to a re-birth of sorts.  Lou realised that everything she had experienced in her earlier years, now has an explanation.  The world opened up and Lou became an ADHD coach and is now a PhD candidate!  More doors have opened and Lou is a consumer advisor at Deakin University, on the board a...2022-02-0559 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeNeuro-inclusion for the Neuro-distinct with neurodivergent entrepreneur Will WheelerIn this final episode for the 2021 season, Lou and Will discuss Will's lived experience as a young neurodivergent person living with Dyslexia and probable ADHD.  Will explains the rollercoaster ride of his younger years and the experience of being misunderstood by everyone around him, struggling with drugs and alcohol and finding his strengths.  It's a discussion of self-discovery and self acceptance.  Will is also super creative and clever and has founded a new organisation called The Neurodiversity Academy, aiming to work with organisations and individuals to achieve "neuroinclusion for the neurodistinct". PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!2021-12-111h 02Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeMoving away from Behaviourism with Christina KeebleThis is a long episode but it is well worth it and packed with a huge amount of resources and helpful and practical advice and information.  There's quite a few light bulb moments where Lou connects the dots such as a realisation that you can't apply Collaborative Proactive Solutions if you don't have a trusting relationship with the child first.  Christina Keeble is a complex and authentic neurodivergent educator.  She has a deep understanding from personal experience, parenting experience, teaching and psychology.  Not only does she share her perspective, she offers so much practical and helpful advice that can be a...2021-12-021h 13Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Human Right to Read with Georgina Perry from SPELDLou and George talk about "the human right to read, write and numerate" as George put it.  They discuss the correct language used to describe learning disorders Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.  The diagnosis and school experiences, teachers' approaches,  George explains some key messages for parents and teachers, where to get help and access supportive resources, reasonable adjustments, assistive technology and more.  George dispels myths associated with learning disorders, and there are many.  It's a very informative "part one" discussion about learning disorders.  More to come on this can of worms!PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Please...2021-11-2555 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeA Special Understanding with parent Treacy DevlinThis really is "A Special Understanding".  It's an understanding of Treacy and everything she's been through in her life from years of mis-diagnosis and all that comes with that, of the trauma, fear and challenges of single parenting a neurodivergent child when you don't understand your own neurology.  It's the revelation when the penny drops.  It's fierce advocacy at school and in the world in general.  It's the special understanding and special relationship between a son and his mum.  A really heartfelt lived experience episode.  Enjoy!PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Please join the Square...2021-11-181h 14Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Next Frontier: Square Peg Employment, with The Neurodivergent Coach Samantha NuttallSamantha Nuttall is The Neurodivergent Coach and she talks to Lou about life as a neurodivergent mum to two neurodivergent sons and the interesting lightbulb moment she had that led her to develop her business as The Neurodivergent Coach.  Sam is passionate about helping neurodivergent people to overcome disability discrimination barriers with employment.  She's on a mission to change the life and employment outcomes for all Neurodivergent individuals, at an individual, organisational and systemic level.  Music to Lou's ears!  They get "fired up" as they chat and put the wrongs to right.  An energetic discussion that really will give liste...2021-11-111h 00Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeCelebrating Lighthouse teacher, Mrs Kindness with parent Tania WaringTania is a lawyer and psychology student.  Other accomplishments are her three sons. Tania and Lou discuss the challenges of being parents to neurodivergent children but they also focus on strategies to understand our square pegs, their journey to self-awareness and self-acceptance.  They also discuss Tania's approach to school to avoid the inability to attend school by building self-esteem and confidence via their special interests such as horse riding and her youngest son's interest in creative writing.  He's even written a book!  Tania is the queen of the co-regulation as well and she articulates all of this in her own...2021-11-041h 05Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Queen of Common Sense - Words of Wisdom from our very own MAGGIE DENTAnother very special episode.  This time, Lou chats to Australia's national treasure, Maggie Dent!  Lou learns that  Maggie's key early intuitions led her to a deep understanding for our neurodivergent youth, their strengths, challenges and their need for our support and understanding, especially when they are at school.  Maggie shares some very moving and heartfelt stories of her experiences as a teacher and parent over the years and the connections she's been able to form with young neurodivergent people that she has met along her own journey of acceptance and care for our community.  Lou challenges Maggie to help her u...2021-11-011h 00Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeTalking Tourette with parent Lydia RobertsThis week we are talking Tourette Syndrome.  Lou talks to Lydia Roberts, mum to Ruari and her twin daughters.  Ruari is neurodivergent.  He has ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome.  Lydia is a brilliant parent advocate and actively works to educate the community about Tourette Syndrome.  The episode opens with a sound bit from an ABC Perth radio segment where Lydia and Ruari articulate the world of Tourette.  Ruari's words are absolutely imperative listening.  He describes his tics, how they feel, when they occur, what it's like for him.  It's such a wonderful insight.  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!...2021-10-281h 12Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeGetting Legal with lawyer Laura CottamOrder in the court!  Today we are getting legal.  Lou talks to lawyer, Laura Cottam from Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL).  They talk about disability laws and the importance of understanding those in order to advocate for your Square Peg at school and across all settings.  Laura explains the laws and the importance of getting the balance right when working with a school to make sure all Square Pegs receive the reasonable adjustments to access learning, to which they are legally entitled.  Laura also discusses a wonderful new Learning Together toolkit that everyone can acces...2021-10-2256 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeAutism is Actually Awesome with Autistic young adult, Consultant, Animal Therapist and Speech Therapy student, Shadia Hancock (they/them)Did you know that Autism is Actually Awesome?  If you still think that being Autistic means a life of stress, worry and social isolation - think again!  Listening to Shadia will surely convince you otherwise.  Lou and Shadia discuss Shadia's life growing up, their amazing advocate/teacher mum, the progressive and inclusive school that Shadia attended in recent years, Autistic identity, animal therapy, speech pathology, gender identity, mental health and a whole lot more.  Shadia is such an insightful and beautiful person.  The lived experience of neurodiversity strengths is totally inspiring and uplifting.  Enjoy this powerful episode.PLEASE...2021-10-141h 05Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeSmiling on the Outside - A story of Mental Illness, with young adult Zoe DagassanZoe is Lou's son's best friend.  Zoe is living with mental illness, and like so many others, to look at her and to know her reasonably well, you would never know what’s going on under the surface.  She is so beautiful on the outside and has a beautiful heart and a beaming smile at all times, but no one would ever know the battles within.  Zoe was recently super brave and spoke to a journalist about the Year 12 students in Australia and their struggles during the COVID pandemic 2021, and she was able to warn the community the “...2021-10-1056 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeBrain Body Parenting with Dr Mona DelahookeThis is a pivotal episode.  Lou dreamed it may happen one day and all her dreams came true!Mona and Lou discuss the fundamental messages of Mona's book, Beyond Behaviours, they delve in to COVID induced trauma, school "push out", Mona's thoughts on ODD, PDA, behaviour charts and behaviour management strategies and the importance of respecting the Sensory Systems and mind-shift away from compliance and towards connections and compassion for neurodivergent children.  They explore the return to school post COVID lockdown, single parenting and most importantly, the experiences of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged students and the exclusionary pr...2021-10-0758 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeInclusive Education - It's Happening! with teacher Loren SwancuttDo you believe that Inclusive Education can happen?  Should happen?  Well it's happening!!  Loren Swancutt is a highly experienced inclusive educator and leader who is committed to advancing the realisation of inclusive education within the Australian context.  Lou and Loren discuss the human right to access inclusive education and Loren explains the theoretical to practical implementation of it and the work that Loren has led to reform a complex and challenging high school in North Queensland.  Loren shares some really uplifting examples of lives turned around, leading to a sense of value and fulfilment through inclusive practices.  Inclus...2021-09-301h 01Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeWiradjuri Man with all round legend, Darcy Brown AKA Buddy OldmanLou and Darcy discuss Darcy's colourful, wonderful, uplifting and magical but also traumatic life story.  Darcy tells us about the importance of the elders, his father's influence and their special bond.  Darcy discusses fostering 150 children!  His relationships with his kids, the students at the school where he works.  He talks about the juvenile justice system and school exclusions,  the influence of drugs that are ripping through the Aboriginal communities.  All of this has an Aboriginal mental health lens cast over and Darcy shows his deep understanding, lived experience of mentoring, guiding and embracing those with neuro-differences and mental health challe...2021-09-231h 01Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeMaking Sense of Sensory with Occupational Therapist, Carly ColemanAnnouncement: Dr Mona Delahooke coming on the podcast in early October 2021!  In this episode, Lou and Carly discuss Occupational Therapy and the concept of adapting the environment to suit the needs and preferences of the child.  They talk about looking behind behaviour and meeting the child where they are at with compassion and evidence based therapy that can build on strengths to meet goals.  With a focus on understanding Sensory Processing Disorder, DIR Floor time, working as a team in schools and more, there is something in this episode for everyone, even if you don't hav...2021-09-1658 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Elephant in the Room with Dr Siobhan Lamb - a response to the NSW Department of EducationDr Siobhan Lamb is the Principal of "Embrace Difference", an Autistic led organisation that educates and supports schools, teachers, parents, carers, families and individuals who are Neurodivergent themselves, to teach and support Neurodivergent students or just seek a better understanding of Neurodiversity.http://embrace-difference.com.au/Don't forget!  Dr Mona Delahooke is coming on Square Peg Round Whole in early October 2021! In early September 2021, NSW Department of Education asked PAAA to respond to the following two scenarios:1. A child has a significant behaviour incident (unexpected and undiagnosed)...ho...2021-09-1245 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeTassie Maddi with psychologist, Dr Maddi DerrickThis week, Lou talks to Maddi about all things ADHD.  Dr Maddi Derrick is a psychologist, a parent and has a lived experience of ADHD.  Maddi is super clever because she is a founding member of the super successful parent advocacy group called Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia.  Lou and Maddi discuss the early days and Maddi explains her experiences as a psychologist and why kids with ADHD deserve a special understanding, support and care and Maddi also advises on advoacy in education.  It's a really spicy and colourful discussion between two old mates and mums who know their Squa...2021-09-0256 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeTwice Exceptional with exceptional teacher, Melinda GindyIn this episode, Lou talks to Melinda Gindy about being Gifted and Talented with Disability, also known as Twice Exceptional.  Did you know that you can be gifted but also have one or more disabilities?  This is a concept shrouded in mystery and misconception.  Melinda helps Lou to unpack and understand this complex area in education.  Melinda clearly and gracefully explains what this all means and what we as parents and teachers can do to welcome and accept Twice Exceptional Square Pegs and how we can help them to effectively engage with their learning, just like everyone else...2021-08-271h 01Square Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeNavigating Behaviour school part 2' with parent, Nathalie SteinmetzLou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz again but this time they take a deep dive in to school suspensions and behaviour school experiences within Nathalie's "Brady Bunch" family.  Nathalie shares some shocking facts about her experiences during this stressful and worrying time and how her littlest square peg has come out the other end as a well adjusted and authentic individual thanks to his parents advocacy and his brilliant uniqueness and awesome spirit.This story will jolt you to attention but also bring you along on the roller coaster ride experienced by so many Square Peg f...2021-08-1252 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeNavigating Behaviour school part 1 with parent, Nathalie SteinmetzLou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz about the life of a large, blended and mostly neuordivergent family.  They discuss the adjustments that Nathalie makes at home to keep things running smoothly, education experiences, supporting everyone's mental health and why it's so important to have good "neurodiversity literacy" when working with schools to support our kids.  Nathalie has many important messages about parent advocacy but also parenting in unique and complex situations with many stakeholders involved.  Always mindful of the little people at the center of everything, giving them a sense of achievement and self-confidence, Natalie brings a fresh perspective to...2021-08-0555 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round Whole'Doing Before Thinking' - young adult ADHD with Matt KuchelThis episode explores the experience of an ADHD diagnosis when you are 18, in your final year of school, during a pandemic!  Lou's son Matt has recently been diagnosed with ADHD at a very fragile and difficult time in his life.  They discuss his experiences to the present day and hopes for the future.  It's a great baseline discussion for future follow up episodes to see how Matt gets on and the sorts of scaffolds and accommodations that help him to function and thrive.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Please join the Square Peg Round Who...2021-07-2233 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round Whole'Same Classroom Same Opportunities' with Karen Tippett from Family AdvocacyLou chats to Karen Tippett from Family Advocacy about inclusive education and the challenges faced by neurodivergent families.  There is also discussion around behaviour support, school suspensions and the exciting new parent driven P and C Inclusive Education Initiative.Please join the Square Peg Round Whole podcast Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/536225331089755Please like the Facebook PUBLIC page: https://www.facebook.com/Square-Peg-Round-Whole-Public-PAGE-108284341497676Patreon membership:  Exclusive privileges for patrons only include early access to episodes and assistance with advocacy activities. If you would like to su...2021-07-0849 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Inclusionista Dad with parent, Mark HunyorIn this episode, Lou talks to Mark Hunyor, a local parent.  Mark and his wife have worked very hard to ensure that their son, Luca receives an inclusive education at his local public school.  Mark discusses the mentorship and support he receives from Family Advocacy and the open and collaborative relationship he has with his son's school to ensure that Luca receives his human right to an inclusive education.  Other advocacy initiatives are discussed including the Northern Sydney P and C Council subcommittees on Inclusive Education.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Ple...2021-07-0147 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeMr D with teacher and coach, Simon da RozaIn this episode Lou talks to Simon da Roza, teacher and consultant to families who are experiencing difficulties with their square pegs at school.  He helps schools to work productively with their students and he also mentors the students themselves.  He calls them "funky kids" and he is a kind and positive influence in their lives.  We discuss some success stories and what Simon has learned over the 30 years that he has been teaching, pivotal moments in his career and some practical discussion around what should be in an IEP (Individual Education Plan).Simon can be...2021-06-2439 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeLosing our kids.TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of suicide.In this episode Lou discusses her growing concerns with mental ill health with teens and tweens in Australia.  There's been a recent crisis meeting held between educators and various NSW Members of Parliament regarding the concerns for teenage students, mental health and a recent cluster of suicides.  Lou discusses the link between mental ill health and neurological conditions such as Autism and particularly ADHD.  Evidence is emerging linking the lack of support for ADHDers and the resulting poor mental health.Lou asks that listeners write to their local MP to...2021-06-2215 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Perfect Storm with parent, teacher and neurodivergent person, Dr Siobhan LambIn this episode, Lou talks to Dr Siobhan Lamb.  Siobhan is the "perfect storm" of neurodivergence and she tells some fascinating facts about her life and growing up different and embracing that difference through to her adult life. Siobhan also gives insight to the way she approaches neurodivergent students from her teacher's perspective as well as her family dynamics.Siobhan's new business, Embrace Difference (http://www.embrace-difference.com.au/) provides teacher professional development, advocacy/mediation services for parents and schools as well as assistance with understanding reports about learning differences and disabilities.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE A...2021-06-1051 minSquare Peg Round WholeSquare Peg Round WholeThe Light Bulb with Lou's husband, Ash KuchelDuring this episode Lou talks to her husband, Ash about the early years up to present day.  They talk about their initial stumbles and the moments that made them "wake up" and realise that their son didn't need to be fixed or changed but that embracing him and treating him with compassion would change everything.  Ash presents a father's perspective, giving insight with raw honesty and real feelings.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW!Please join the Square Peg Round Whole podcast Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/536225331089755Please like the Fa...2021-05-2833 min