Pilbara Health Professionals Network | Breakfast Education Series | Busy Brains: A rural-born innovation to manage paediatric waiting lists | Karratha and Online

Busy Brains: A rural-born innovation to manage paediatric waiting lists
Presented by Aileen Mathyssen – Occupational Therapist, Thrive Together Therapy

Drawing on 18 years of Occupational Therapy experience across tertiary and rural practice, Aileen introduces Busy Brains – an innovative, child-led program developed alongside children in her community. The program provides early brain and body education while families await formal assessment or intervention. She will share the development of the program, key learnings from implementation in a rural setting, and how it supports children and families during extended wait times.

Topics covered:

• The impact of prolonged waiting periods on children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, and participation at home and school
• How building children’s understanding of their brain, emotions, and sensory systems can support behaviour and self-advocacy
• Practical insights into providing meaningful interim support for families while awaiting assessment or intervention
• How a child-led model can complement existing paediatric services