For many parents, hearing that their child has ITP is overwhelming. But what can feel even more confronting is being told that the best approach might be to “watch and wait.”

In this episode of Beyond the Count, Danielle Boyle is joined by paediatric haematologist Dr Melanie Jackson to explain why observation-based care is often the safest and most appropriate first step for children with ITP.

Together, they discuss:

• What “watch and wait” actually means in real life
• Why many children recover without treatment
• How clinicians assess bleeding risk rather than relying on platelet counts alone
• The signs and symptoms parents should be monitoring at home
• When treatment becomes necessary and what that looks like
• How to support your child to live as normally and safely as possible

This episode provides clear, practical guidance for parents navigating early diagnosis. It helps reframe “doing nothing” as active, evidence-based care, while giving families the tools and confidence to monitor, support, and advocate for their child.

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For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au.

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