In this episode, Caitlin, Jackie and Caitlyn share their current thoughts on Thriving Kids - the Australian Government’s proposed early intervention model that has generated concern across the paediatric community. With details still emerging and a lot still to be finalised, they unpack what we know so far, what the transition period means for families and clinicians on the ground, and what isn’t being said loudly enough in the conversation. From workforce readiness and clinical governance, to the real risk of children falling through the cracks before new services are rolled out, this episode is an honest discussion about what families deserve and what is needed for best practice from the perspective of 3 experienced OTs passionate about delivering early intervention services.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report (Feb 2026): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en

OT Unplugged podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/38U487pQI0MRanss2Z91w1?si=c134d5bc572f48b2

National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention: 

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention?language=en

No child left behind Report into the Thriving Kids initiative (Dec 2025): https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportrep/RB000704/toc_pdf/Nochildleftbehind.pdf

Transcript of Minister Butler's press conference on the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s report (3rd Feb, 2026) .https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/press-conference-with-minister-butler-canberra-3-february-2026?language=en

In this episode, Jackie, Caity and Mikayla discuss the often overlooked occupation of sleep. They explore considerations across different ages and discussed the common misconceptions and pitfalls when it comes to addressing sleep difficulties. They share their thoughts on where to start when supporting families who are experiencing challenges related to their child’s sleep and how to build your confidence as a treating clinician.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

Sleep Health Foundation: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-categories/basics-of-sleep

Infant Sleep Australia: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/

Infant Sleep Australia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infant.sleep.australia?igsh=MWp4cmJmdmZhZHg0NQ==

Royal Children’s Hospital Sleep Information: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Bedtime_problems/

In this episode, Jackie, Caitlyn and Mikayla explore how clinicians can work collaboratively with families to unpack their priorities and define what meaningful progress looks like for them. They discuss the importance of having a clear therapy plan while maintaining flexibility to pivot when needed, the risks of therapy progressing without a clear direction, and how short-term goals can be structured within a broader therapy framework.

The conversation also reflects on real examples from practice, how their service’s approach to therapy planning has evolved, and key insights about goal setting that families may not always realise.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

Kid Link PD Booster - Goal Setting & Helping Families Stay Accountable

https://www.kidlinkeducation.com.au/courses/goal-setting

In this episode, Caitlin, Danni and Jac reflect on the experience of returning to clinical practice after extended leave. Stepping away from work can bring a mix of emotions - from worries about client outcomes and staying relevant, to questions around professional identity and connection to your team. In this conversation, they share their personal reflections on what it felt like to step away from their clinician roles, and what it was like navigating the transition back into practice.

Join them as they explore the practical and emotional sides of returning to work, including preparing for leave, adjusting to changes in the workplace, and redefining your role when coming back - particularly when returning part-time. The team also share the strategies that helped them reconnect with their work, communicate expectations, and build a more balanced approach to clinical practice after time away.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels

In this episode, Jackie and Caity sit down with Haylee Parfett, experienced Speech Pathologist and passionate advocate of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, to unpack what every clinician needs to know about AAC.

Haylee covers what AAC actually is, the different systems available, and the evidence behind one of the most common family concerns — will it stop or delay my child from speaking? She discusses how all clinicians can meaningfully support clients who use AAC, the importance of partner-modelling, and why communication is everyone's responsibility on the care team.

The episode wraps with Haylee's advice for clinicians looking to build confidence in this space. A practical and important listen for any clinician working with children who use, or may benefit from, AAC. 

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

PODD information – Gayle Porter

https://www.cpec.org.au/podd-communication-books/

Jorgensen (2005) – Least Dangerous Assumption

https://publications.ici.umn.edu/ties/foundations-of-inclusion-tips/using-the-least-dangerous-assumption-in-educational-decisions

AGOSCI (Australian AAC body)

https://www.agosci.org.au/

Two Way Street

https://www.twowaystreet.com.au/

PrAACtical AAC

https://praacticalaac.org/

Assistive Technology providers:

Link Assistive – https://www.linkassistive.com.au/

Zyteq – https://www.zyteq.com.au/

Assistiveware – https://www.assistiveware.com/

Liberator – https://www.liberator.co.uk/

Assistive Tech - https://www.assistivetech.com.au

In this episode, Danni, Caitlin, and Caitlyn explore recent research in the area of sensory processing and discuss what it means for evidence-informed clinical practice.

Reflecting on their recent presentation on this topic, they share key insights from current practice guidelines and systematic reviews, including the importance of recognising each child’s unique sensory profile and being cautious of one-size-fits-all approaches to intervention.

The team also discuss some surprising gaps and findings within the literature and how they translate evidence into everyday therapy planning. They reflect on how sensory differences intersect with functional participation, the importance of parent education and collaboration, and how clinicians can support children to understand their sensory needs and develop self-advocacy skills.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Georgia and Caity to share their experiences supporting children with executive functioning goals.

Together, they explore how executive functioning shows up in everyday routines, how to distinguish typical development from functional impact, and when intervention may be helpful.

The conversation also covers practical, evidence-informed approaches to setting meaningful, neuro-affirming goals and therapy plans that support real-world participation.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels

In this episode, Caitlin and Jackie are joined by guest speaker Shadia Hancock (they/them), owner and founder of Autism Actually.

Shadia joins the PiP team to share their lived experience of sensory processing differences, reflecting on how their sensory preferences have shaped participation throughout their life. They discuss the supports and strategies that have been instrumental in enabling participation, and offer thoughtful reflections on how clinicians can continue to support children with sensory processing differences in neurodiversity-affirming ways.

Shadia is the proud owner and founder of Autism Actually and enjoys presenting and consultancy. They are a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours, as well as a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. Shadia has professional interests in autism, multimodal communication supports, animal-assisted services, and language.

Shadia was formally identified as Autistic at the age of three and later identified with ADHD at 23. They are proudly queer and enjoy discussing the intersectionality of Autism and the LGBTQIA+ community. As an Autistic person with experience accessing therapeutic supports, Shadia is passionate about sharing how to view Autism from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

• Autism Actually: https://www.autismactually.com.au/

• Autism Actually Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismactuallyau

• Yvonne Mann, assistance dog and therapy dog trainer, owner of Busimann’s Dog Training: https://www.busimannsdogtraining.com.au/.

• Lisa Robinson, owner and founder of Assistance Paws Australia: https://assistancepaws.com/index.html.

• Autism LEVEL UP!: https://www.autismlevelup.com/
  

In this episode, Gabs, Keely and Jackie talk about Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion. They explore the 3 components of self-compassion and why it is important for clinicians.

They also explore why it differs to self-esteem and how to start fostering more of it to support your sustainability as a clinician. Join them as they share some personal insights as clinicians and people. 

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

Self-compassion test: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/

What is self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/what-is-self-compassion/

In this episode, Caity, Mikayla, and Jackie dive into clinical reasoning; what it is, why it matters, and how it evolves over time.

They unpack the enablers and barriers to developing clinical reasoning and explore differences between reasoning, problem-solving, and knowledge acquisition. They share their tips for strengthening your own clinical reasoning skills and why AI will never replace us. 

Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 

This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.

Music by Daniel Pavey 

Produced by Michael Daniels 

Relevant Episode Links:

Adam Grant - Think Again