SESSION 4. PAEDIATRIC REHABILITATION and BRAIN INJURY
This study provides novel insights into the lived experience and management of fatigue from the perspectives of young people with child-onset neurological conditions and their families. Findings will inform the co-design of a transdiagnostic fatigue program for paediatric rehabilitation services that is responsive to the needs and preferences of this population. By centring lived experience and adopting a transdiagnostic approach, this research has the potential to contribute to more accessible, relevant, and effective fatigue management in paediatric rehabilitation
This study employed semi-structured interviews that were conducted with young people aged 12-35 years with child onset neurodisability and/or their parents or caregivers (n = 14; young people participants CP = 4, ABI = 3; parent participants CP = 4, ABI = 3). Participants were recruited through paediatric rehabilitation services and community networks across Australia. Interviews explored participants understanding and experience of fatigue, fatigue management across contexts, support received for fatigue management and areas for improvement in fatigue management practices. Data were analysed iteratively using constructivist grounded theory principles. Interviews are still ongoing.
Preliminary findings demonstrate that participants described fatigue as a multidimensional and fluctuating experience that accumulates across the day, encompassing physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional components. Contributing factors included cognitive load, physical activity, disrupted routines, and self-advocacy demands. Fatigue impacts participation, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning with challenges including difficulty communicating fatigue, stigma, and masking. Participants described some fatigue management strategies; however, gaps in education, support, and access to fatigue management resources were raised.

Learning outcomes:
- Describe the impact of fatigue on quality of life and functioning in childhood onset neurological conditions.
- Describe the lived experience and perspectives of young people with neurological conditions and their caregiver in relation to how fatigue is experienced, understood, and managed.

SESSION 3. PAEDIATRIC EPILEPSY: NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PRACTICES FOR CALD POPLATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
Cognitive assessment is central to neurorehabilitation planning, prognosis, and outcome evaluation. However, most standardised neuropsychological tests used in Australia were developed within Western, English-speaking contexts, raising concerns about their validity and equity when applied to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations.
This study employed semi-structured interviews conducted with experienced Australian clinical neuropsychologists (n = 14) practising across public, private, and academic settings. Interviews explored approaches to assessment with CALD clients, perceived limitations of existing tools, and strategies used to maintain assessment integrity and client safety. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within an interpretivist framework.
Analyses identified three interrelated themes: (1) complexities of culture and language in context, highlighting how language, culture, education, and testing norms interact to influence assessment validity and client experience; (2) barriers to equitable access, including limited time, funding, interpreter availability, and the scarcity of culturally appropriate or normed assessment materials; and (3) clinical strategies to manage barriers, describing how clinicians use preparation, transparency about test limitations, and flexible, individualised assessment approaches to mitigate risks. Participants consistently expressed concern that translation alone is insufficient for cultural validity.


Learning outcomes:
- Describe how Australian clinical neuropsychologists (including those who work in paediatric epilepsy) understand and manage cross-cultural assessment challenges.
- Describe barriers to equitable access to neuropsychological assessment in CALD populations.
- Highlight implications for test development and clinical practice.

Panel: Neurodivergent children grow up to become neurodivergent adolescents, adults, and older adults. But what happens when these diagnoses are missed? What is the role of neuropsychology in supporting the assessment and management of neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities across the lifespan, particularly when it overlaps with acute illness, trauma, forensic involvement, neurodegenerative conditions, or other competing service demands? This hybrid presentation and panel discussion brings together a diverse group of neuropsychologists from all career stages who work in a broad range of public, private, and community settings to address these questions.
Authors: Tracey Chau1, Alexia Pavlis1, Amanda Nielsen2, Bronwyn Hall2, Caroline Naudebaum3, Natasha Finnin4, Noah Duldig5