{
  "id": 1788908,
  "title": "Fifty years on, Judith has figured out why going to school was hard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/fifty-years-on-judith-has-figured-out-why-going-to-school-was-hard",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-18T20:05:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-19/school-refusal-or-school-cant-an-issue-for-decades/107049128"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Judith grew up in the 1960s and 70s, a time when \"school can't\" was commonly experienced by children. Her own struggles started due to eczema and asthma, which often forced her to miss school. The constant absences made her a curiosity among her peers, leading to anxiety and discomfort. As time went on, anxiety overtook her allergies as the primary reason for her reluctance to attend school. Judith assumed she was the only one facing such issues until she discovered School Can't Australia on social media. The organization helped her understand her situation and connect with others who had similar experiences.\n\nDespite academic setbacks, Judith excelled in her studies at home, learning piano and Latin. She eventually earned a PhD and became a lecturer in Australia and abroad. Judith's story highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of \"school can't\" and providing support to affected children. Today, School Can't Australia offers online learning options and promotes social engagement for children who face difficulties attending school. Judith advises parents to address the issue calmly and at a time when it won't negatively impact their child's decision to attend school. She believes that finding a passion or joy in learning can lead to remarkable achievements, even for those who didn't have the best start in traditional schooling.",
  "summary": "Despite being a keen student in the 1960s and 70s, Judith felt unable to attend school regularly. Fifty years on, she is finally figuring out why going to school was so hard.",
  "key_points": [
    "Judith experienced school difficulties in 1960s and 70s due to eczema and asthma.",
    "Anxiety became primary reason for reluctance to attend school after allergies.",
    "School Can t Australia helped Judith understand her situation and connect with others."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}