In today’s episode we are joined by two wonderful women, Chelsey and Emma, both of whom are Mums to children with rare and complex disabilities. 

This conversation is starts by understanding these Mums' journeys through their child's diagnosis, to becoming the fierce advocates and they are today. We then dive into all things preparing for school; from finding the right school for your child through to evaluating when maybe it’s time for a change. 

There are some amazing words of wisdom in this chat and I’m sure that it will not only be allied health professionals who will benefit from listening to these two Mums share their experience. We encourage you to share this episode with families you work with and with educators and teachers in your professional circles. 

Host: Rebecca Sampson 

Editing: Podcast Services Australia 

Links:

Disability SPOT Conference Tickets "Forging the future together: Innovation in Practice:

https://disabilityspot.org.au/event/annual-disability-spot-conference-forging-the-future-together-innovation-in-practice/

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by a multidisciplinary panel, Sarah Hallams (Physiotherapist), Isabella Krak (Speech Pathologist), and Amanda Lidis (Occupational Therapist) for a rich discussion on supporting children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Together, they unpack what CP is, the different types, and how it can affect a child’s development across the lifespan. The conversation explores common goals across allied health disciplines, practical strategies for family education, and the importance of empowering children and families through collaborative care.

Learn about real-world clinical experiences, from setting meaningful goals to navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of CP management. The panel also highlights evidence-based tools, continuing professional development opportunities, and the role of specialist CP services in NSW.

Show Notes: 

CPA 

Classification scales

MACS 

GMFCS and FMS

CPUP

Communication function classification system 

cerebralpalsy.org.au

Tobii - DAG (emerging to independent communication)

Resources

Iona Novak (et al) - state of the evidence paper 

Monash Uni online courses (CP) 

AGOSCI - workshops, research, frameworks, AAC

Bryan Hall - CP teaching (UL Assessment and interventions)

Children’s Hospital Network - liaison + learning opportunities 

https://schneducation.com.au/ 

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, Bec Sampson is joined by Rene Fraser, Occupational Therapist and long-time Disability SPOT Executive Committee member, to discuss her PhD research on parent interventions for children with disabilities who are restricted eaters.

Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, Rene shares how her work with families inspired her research and why traditional approaches to restricted eating often fall short. Instead of chasing “perfect” mealtimes, she highlights the importance of creating safe, responsive environments that nurture a child’s natural curiosity to explore food.

Listeners will gain insights from Rene’s scoping review and parent interviews, including her decision-making framework for choosing interventions, the value of tailoring supports, and the power of collaboration across disciplines. She also explores how clinicians can reflect on their own practices, embrace family-centred strategies, and apply her findings directly in therapy to better support children and families.

Show Notes: 

Get Permission Institute - Meal Times

Responsive Feeding Group

Meg Farrell - learn play thrive, Podcasts 

Deborah alvarez feeding therapy australia

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In part two of our conversation with early childhood expert Dr Amanda Niland, we explore what best practice collaboration looks like between allied health professionals, parents, children, and early childhood educators. Amanda shares insights into building strong, respectful partnerships in early education settings and the tools that can support truly collaborative and child-centred approaches.

The conversation then shifts to Amanda’s research on disability representation and inclusion in children’s literature. She speaks about her recent projects and the importance of children seeing themselves—and their diverse experiences—reflected in books. Amanda also shares how children’s perspectives on disability may differ from those of adults and highlights why meaningful inclusion matters in early childhood settings, schools, and community activities.

This episode wraps up with valuable recommendations for books and resources that support understanding and inclusion, both for children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson is joined by early childhood educator and researcher Dr Amanda Niland to explore the topic of praise and how we use it with children. Drawing on her recent article, Amanda discusses why phrases like “good boy” or “good girl” may not always offer the positive reinforcement we assume, and how our language can influence a child’s developing sense of self.

We discuss what led Amanda to write the article, how shifting the way we give feedback can promote long-term wellbeing and success, and how allied health professionals can reframe praise to focus on effort and process rather than outcomes. Amanda also shares helpful examples and offers recommendations for those looking to learn more about the research and practice guidelines behind her insights.

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist, business owner, and mentor Alyce Svensk who you may know through her business as ‘The OT Coach”.

Alyce is a guest speaker at this year’s annual Disability SPOT conference and this episode of the podcasts discusses Alyce’s professional journey to ‘The OT Coach’, her passion for mentoring, and a teaser for what she will present at the upcoming conference.

Disability SPOT Annual Conference 2025: The Future of Disability Therapy is on Sunday 17th May DO NOT MISS OUT! 

Buy your Disability SPOT conference tickets here

Show Notes: 

Alyce co-hosts the OT Unplugged and The OT Coaching Confidential so you will hear these podcasts referenced throughout. We’ve linked both podcasts below for you to discover and enjoy.

Podcasts mentioned: 

The OT Coaching confidential 

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

The OT Unplugged

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

Gerda Muller: The Private Practice Success Podcast

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

Other resources mentioned: 

Clare Batkins ‘Your OT Tutor’ : Workshops for setting up in private practice, being a clinical educator

The OT Coach Workshops: Starting your own business, being a sole trader, learning to be a mentor 

Michelle Bihary: Leadership and supervising 

Brene Brown: Leading from vulnerability 

Podcasts mentioned: 

The OT Coaching confidential 

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

The OT Unplugged

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson speaks with occupational therapist and researcher Dr. Sarah-Grace Paguinto. With over a decade of experience at Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Neuromuscular Clinic, Sarah-Grace shares insights from her PhD on creating a psychoeducation resource to support parents through the emotional and practical aspects of wheelchair prescription. Tune in to learn about her parent resource booklet, the importance of early mobility support, and how clinicians can better guide families through this transition.

Show Notes:
Sarah Grace’s booklet that she developed during her PhD is yet to be published widely but if you would like a copy you can email Sarah Grace at [email protected]

The resources Sarah Grace mentions in this podcast around further professional development for clinicians are not available direct to the public either but Sarah Grace has kindly offered to share them with anyone interested. You can contact Sarah Grace at [email protected]

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson welcomes Rene Fraser, Kate Bellamy, and Tahlia Frost to discuss their journeys transitioning from students to new graduate clinicians. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced during this pivotal stage, including building confidence, adjusting to professional expectations, and finding balance in the healthcare environment. Rene, Kate, and Tahlia share valuable advice on navigating imposter syndrome, cultivating strong mentorship connections, and embracing lifelong learning. Tune in to gain real-world insights and practical strategies to support a smooth transition from university to clinical practice, setting the stage for a fulfilling and impactful career.

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In this episode, host Bec Sampson sits down with speech pathologist Leanna Fox to explore the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and its impact on individuals with disabilities. Leanna shares her journey in becoming a passionate advocate for AAC, working across Australia to support individuals using tools like eye gaze technology and LAMP (Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning).

From groundbreaking tech to life-changing interventions, this conversation highlights the power of communication and how AAC helps people express themselves, connect, and expand.

Show Notes:

• Kasari, C., Kaiser, A., Goods, K., Nietfeld, J., Mathy, P., Landa, R., Murphy, S., & Almirall, D. (2014). Communication interventions for minimally verbal children with autism: a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(6), 635–646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2014.01.019 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24839882/
• “Talking with tech” podcast by Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel: https://www.talkingwithtech.org/episodes
• International Society for Alternative and Augmentative Communication: https://isaac-online.org/english/publications/
• AGOSCI: https://www.agosci.org.au/

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.

In the third part of the mini-series on neurodivergence and neuroaffirming practices, Bec Sampson, Chloe Garret, and Rebecca McNeil explore resources that allied health professionals can use to deepen their understanding and skills. This episode focuses on Autism CRC, Positive Partnerships, and other valuable podcasts, training modules, and social media platforms.

Discover the importance of recognising neurodivergent behaviours, such as masking and emotional regulation strategies, and how allied health professionals can support clients' goals while working collaboratively to honour their neurodivergent identities, without pushing them towards neurotypical behaviours.

Show Notes: 

Raising Kids Network https://raisingchildren.net.au/ 

Reframing Autism 

Autism CRC Guidelines

Disability SPOT is run by a dedicated group of volunteer speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with the aim of providing best practice professional development and networking opportunities for members.

Membership is cheap.. at $60 per year and provides excellent value for a range of professional development and learning activities.
Consider becoming a member to network, attend our events, tap into webinars, recordings and a range of resources. Such a great way to access your CPD hours.

Our Disability SPOTLIGHT podcast is for members and non-members. Topics relate to supporting our community to achieve best practice in the disability sector.