When Experience Meets Expertise: Family Insights on OT

Occupational therapy can be a game changer for autistic individuals and their families... but what does that actually look like from both sides of the room?In this episode of The OT Download, Elly and Belén bring two powerful perspectives to the table. Belén is MLEA's NDIS Client Support, and a mum who has navigated the autism world for over 23 years for her son Oscar. From a diagnosis with no roadmap, no NDIS and a paediatrician who told her to "Google it," to fighting tribunals, navigating restrictive practices, and celebrating a nod for "yes" that took six months of therapy to achieve, she knows this world from the inside. Elly is MLEA's Mental Health OT, specialising in psychosocial disability and neurodivergence, working primarily with late-diagnosed teens and adults.Together they unpack what OT really looks like in practice for autistic individuals, why the system makes it so hard to advocate for the people who need it most, and why a win (no matter how small) is always a win.🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform📌 Resources mentioned in this episode:NDIS — Understanding your plan and supports: ndis.gov.au💬 We want to hear from you: → Are you an OT student or new grad? Reach out to us, we'd love to connect and support you on your journey! → Got a question or a topic you'd love us to cover? Send it through, this podcast is for you. → Tag us on socials when you listen 📲 We LOVE seeing your reactions and hearing your thoughts. → And if this episode resonated with you, please follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. It means the world to us. 🧡