You’re working with children with complex physical disabilities, layered family dynamics, school pressures, funding constraints, and clinical decisions that don’t feel straightforward anymore.

And quietly, a thought appears:

“Am I actually equipped for this?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many early and mid-career occupational therapists experience a dip in confidence when they begin working with more complex paediatric presentations — especially in NDIS settings or smaller teams where senior clinical support isn’t always immediately available.

New to prescribing equipment for children? A practical guide for occupational therapists building confidence in paediatric assistive technology and NDIS practice.

Staying up to date as a paediatric occupational therapist takes more than ticking CPD boxes. Here are the ways I keep learning while working with children with complex disabilities and their families.

Finding the right occupational therapy supervisor can make all the difference in your confidence, clinical reasoning and career development. Here’s a simple checklist to help you choose someone who truly understands your work and supports you in the way you need.