PiP Cast: Perspectives in Paeds

Episode 50: Is Allied Health Too Nice?

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Gabs and Em to ask a question that doesn't get asked enough: is allied health too nice? Not too kind - too nice. Because there's a difference, and it might be quietly getting in the way of the work we're actually here to do. From softened reports and avoided conversations, to recommending what families want rather than what they need, this episode gets honest about the habits and pressures that push clinicians toward comfort over honesty - and what it's costing the kids and families on our caseloads. 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

Episode 49: Assessing Engagement at School: AN OT Lens on Participation

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Josh and Keely to chat about what school-based OT observations actually look like in practice - how they help clinicians better understand a child's participation in their learning environment, and how they can shape meaningful therapy plans. Together they unpack the purpose behind a school observation, what the OT lens brings to understanding a child's engagement in the classroom, and what it really takes to write recommendations that are practical enough to actually be implemented - and don't just sit in a drawer. 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: Ross Greene’s Lives in the Balance: https://livesinthebalance.org/

Episode 48: Supporting Caregivers to Become Confident Puberty Educators

In this episode, Caitlin, Alyssa and Danni extend their conversation on puberty, moving beyond the developmental landscape and into one of the most practical questions clinicians face: how do we actually support parents/caregivers to become confident puberty educators for their own child? Together they discuss what gets in the way of parents and caregivers having these conversations at home, what unhelpful puberty education looks like, and how clinicians can gently and effectively bring this topic into their sessions. Whether you have families who are already in the thick of puberty or those who are just approaching it, this episode offers a clear framework and concrete language to help parents move from avoidant to approachable, because an open door, however imperfect, will always beat the conversation that never happens. 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: Link to Pipcast Puberty Pt 1 Episode (Ep 18): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GO5Yey3ADP4QFxNAVm4kn?si=8e0316e01bc544a6 Amaze: Age-appropriate videos and resources covering puberty, sexual health, healthy relationships, pregnancy, online safety, and STDs https://amaze.org/ Sex Ed Rescue: Puberty Books for Neurodivergent Preteens  Instagram: @sexedrescue https://sexedrescue.com/puberty-sex-education-books-for-neurodiverse-kids-with-autism/

Episode 47: Thriving Kids - What We Currently Know (And Don't?)…

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 [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 [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 [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 [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

Sleep As An Occupation: The Importance Of Addressing Sleep Within Therapy

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 [https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-categories/basics-of-sleep] Infant Sleep Australia: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/ [https://www.infantsleep.com.au/] Infant Sleep Australia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infant.sleep.australia?igsh=MWp4cmJmdmZhZHg0NQ== [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/