Link-up and Learn With LiveBig

The holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also bring stress, sensory overload, and emotional challenges, especially for individuals with disability.
In this episode of Link Up and Learn with LiveBig, we are joined by occupational therapist Rachel and psychologist Heather for a gentle, practical conversation about navigating the season with care. Together, they explore how to manage disrupted routines, prepare sensory-friendly environments, and support emotional well-being.
From maintaining predictability through structured activities to embracing authenticity over perfection, this episode offers thoughtful advice and small acts of care that can make a big difference. The episode encourages creating inclusive, supportive spaces to ensure that everyone experiences a joyful season.
If you’d like to connect with us and learn more about LiveBig, visit livebig.com.au. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations like this.
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Psychology under the NDIS often raises questions for participants, families and carers. Is it still funded? How does it actually work in practice? In this episode of Link Up and Learn with LiveBig, we discuss the role of psychology in NDIS plans.Kylie explains when psychology is included, how it supports participant outcomes, and why it’s about more than just mental health diagnoses. You’ll learn practical ways psychology can help with everyday challenges, common goals participants work towards, and how it differs from behaviour support. Additionally, we examine cognitive assessments and the importance of flexibility in service delivery.If you’d like to connect with us and learn more about LiveBig, visit livebig.com.au. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations like this.

School avoidance occurs when children experience intense anxiety about attending school, creating significant challenges for families. This often leaves parents, caregivers, and teachers feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.Symptoms can include morning meltdowns or a refusal to leave the car upon arrival at school. The causes of school avoidance are varied and can include social anxiety, bullying, sensory issues, or major family transitions. It is crucial to address these issues early, as prolonged school avoidance can negatively impact a child’s academic progress, social development, and mental health.In this episode, Amanda and Melanie share their professional insights and lived experience, offering practical and compassionate strategies for families and educators supporting children who struggle to attend school.Whether you are a parent, teacher, or allied health professional, this episode provides valuable advice and reassurance that you are not alone.If you'd like to connect with us and learn more about LiveBig, visit livebig.com.au. Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations like this.

In this episode, we are sharing a conversation from our webinar series. Lara Powers, a Behavioural Support Practitioner, discusses the challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children in developing social skills. From the complexities of birthday parties to classroom dynamics, Lara uncovers the hidden barriers that interfere with social interaction.
Learn more: livebig.com.au

In this episode of Link-up and Learn With Live, Sarah talked to Amanda Trist, an area manager and occupational therapist from New South Wales, to explore What Is Occupational Therapy & Why Does It Matter? . Amanda demystifies OT, illustrating it as a means to help individuals perform significant daily tasks, enhancing their independence and quality of life. Through real-life stories, Amanda showcases the profound impact of OT and its person-centered approach. This holistic therapy involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including families and care teams, to tailor strategies that truly empower individuals to thrive in their everyday environments.Click here to visit LiveBig

Hello and welcome to Link Up & Learn with LiveBig. We’re so excited to bring you this podcast, created by the team at LiveBig to share knowledge and spark real conversations about disability support, therapy, and inclusion.In each episode, we bring together passionate professionals, share lived experiences, and offer practical insights to support participants, families, and carers navigating the NDIS and beyond.You’ll hear from expert voices across our allied health team—including occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, positive behaviour support practitioners, and more—who bring real-world experience and compassionate care to every conversation.At LiveBig, together we do more. So, if you’re looking for guidance, or just a deeper understanding of how to support people with disabilities, you’re in the right place.Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you everyone, we'll catch you next time.Click here to visit LiveBig