Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology Podcast
Published by A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology
Parenting
Kids & Family
Welcome to Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology . We can't wait to help guide you through parenthood and assist you with the challenges and everyday dilemmas that parents and children are faced with on their journey into adulthood. Hear from experts in varying fields and benefit from their incredible insight, as you and your children grow in life together.
What happens when you take therapy out of the clinic and into the paddock? In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins is joined by Nadine Delaney from Hunter Valley Children’s Therapy to explore how creative, collaborative programs are opening up new ways to support communication, connection, and self-expression - outdoors and in nature. Lauren and Nadine share the story behind our new group program, Trail Talk: An Equine Experience, and how it brings together the expertise of both teams to create a neurodiversity-affirming space where young people can connect with animals, learn through experience, and practise communication skills in organic, real-world ways. Nadine reflects on her own journey into Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and how working alongside horses in a natural setting offers participants unique opportunities to connect with themselves, with others, and with the animals around them. The conversation also touches on how understanding the communication style of horses can help young people better understand their own, and how partnerships like this one allow professionals to learn from each other while extending the impact of therapy beyond the walls of a clinic. If you're curious about how nature-based, strengths-focused group programs can support meaningful growth for young people, this episode is one to tune into.
What do dice rolls, fantasy characters, and magical quests have to do with speech pathology? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins is joined by Speech Pathologist Zoe McCauley and Dungeon Master Hayden Moore to explore how Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is being used to help tweens and teens develop social communication skills in a creative, safe, and fun setting. Together, they unpack the thinking behind AGU’s new interest-based group program, designed for young people who love imaginative play, storytelling, or gaming, and who might benefit from support with flexible thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. More than just a tabletop game, D&D creates space for character development, problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world communication practice through the DOTS model: Desire, Obstacle, Tactics, and “So, what happens now?” Zoe and Hayden share how the program supports diverse needs and personalities, offering structure and flexibility in equal measure. Whether a participant is diving deep into a character or just quietly observing, the goal is a sense of achievement, belonging, and connection. And yes, there’s a little courage involved in stepping into something new, but the reward can be a truly magical experience. If your young person is curious about the program, or if you’re wondering how fantasy storytelling can support real-life growth, this episode is a must-listen.
Communication is about so much more than words. From gestures and facial expressions to tone, timing, and connection - it’s how we relate to each other, especially in the early years of a child’s development. In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Speech Pathologist and Clinical Lead Jamie Cullen to explore the many ways communication shows up in our lives and how understanding different communication styles can help families better support their child’s development. Lauren and Jamie discuss how each person’s communication style is shaped by preferences, environments, and emotional states, and how being aware of your own communication style can help you connect more meaningfully with your child. They talk about the value of flexibility, the impact of fluctuating communication capacity in different situations, and why it’s important to create space for families to explore how they communicate as individuals and as a unit. This conversation is a reminder that communication is dynamic and deeply personal. Whether it’s shaped by sensory input, emotions, energy, language skills, or who we’re speaking to, our communication style matters. And parents are often the ones who know their child’s communication best.
There’s a reason speech pathologists talk so much about play. It’s not just fun, it’s foundational. In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Speech Pathologist Marlowe Patch to explore the powerful role play has in helping children develop communication skills. From building relationships to working toward individual therapy goals, play is often where the magic happens. Lauren and Marlowe unpack how play-based activities are used in speech therapy sessions to build trust, increase engagement, and help children practise new skills in a way that feels natural and joyful. They talk about the importance of incorporating each child’s interests, the connection between enjoyment and progress, and the idea of “connection before correction” when supporting early communication. This episode also explores how speech therapy creates safe, family-led spaces where children feel confident to learn and grow, and how using games and everyday routines can be a powerful way for families to support therapy goals at home. Marlowe shares practical examples of play-based strategies families can try, and how speech pathologists tailor sessions to a child’s strengths, interests, and relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why play is such a big part of speech therapy, or how to support your child’s communication in a fun, connected way at home, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
When we think about communication, most of us immediately think of spoken words. But communication is so much more than verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a powerful role in helping children connect, express themselves, and participate in the world around them. In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Speech Pathologist and Clinical Lead Jamie Cullen to unpack what AAC really is and why it’s not a “last resort,” but a practical, empowering tool for many children and families. Jamie shares her journey into the world of AAC, how it’s shaped her speech pathology approach, and the ways AAC empowers children to advocate for themselves using the tools that best suit them. The conversation covers what AAC is, how speech pathologists support families to explore AAC through trial phases and parent training, and why using AAC alongside spoken communication can help children engage, connect, and participate more fully. Lauren and Jamie also explore how AAC is used in different settings, how the right tools are matched to each child’s needs, and how the entire A Growing Understanding team integrates AAC into their everyday work with children and families. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, this episode is full of insight into how AAC can open doors to communication and connection - for every child.
What’s the difference between a new graduate and an experienced speech pathologist, and what does that actually mean for families seeking support?In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins chats with Speech Pathologist Paige Horton about her journey as a new graduate and the support she received through the Graduate and Grow program when she first started out. They explore why structured supervision, ongoing training, and meaningful career development are essential, not only for the growth of early career clinicians, but also for the families they support.Lauren and Paige also discuss how speech pathologists at all stages of their careers bring unique strengths to their work, and how cross-sector experience and a collaborative team culture lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.Whether you’re considering speech pathology as a profession or simply want to understand more about the people supporting your child’s development, this episode offers real insight into what makes a supportive and high-quality clinical environment.
What does it really mean to create an inclusive speech pathology service? In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins and Clinical Director Emma Hyde open up about what inclusive care looks like in action—and why it matters.You’ll hear how our team has worked alongside Pride in Health + Wellbeing to deepen our understanding, embed affirming practices, and become a Gold Tier service provider through the Equality Index.Lauren and Emma also share what it means to create safe spaces for all families, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, and how inclusion, advocacy, and respect are woven into everything we do.This is a conversation about Pride Month, about ongoing learning, and about why inclusive care makes for better outcomes for every child.
Speech pathologists often encounter misconceptions like “therapy is only for lisps or stutters,” “it won’t help with reading or writing,” “AAC devices prevent verbal speech,” or “they’ll grow out of it - just wait and see.” In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins and Speech Pathologist Paige Horton debunk these common myths and explore the true scope of speech and language support. You’ll hear how Paige’s journey into the profession shapes her inclusive, family-centred approach and learn why speech pathology covers much more than clarity, addressing language, literacy, social communication, and feeding. Discover how AAC tools actually expand a child’s ability to communicate, why early intervention is so important, and simple strategies like modelling and recasting to reinforce learning at home. If you’ve ever wondered when and why to seek support, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
It’s a question we hear at every BBQ: “Should my child see a speech pathologist?” In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology podcast, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Clinical Lead and Speech Pathologist Holly Graham-Hayes to unpack exactly when and why you might reach out for support. You’ll learn why trusting your parental instincts is often the best first step, and how adopting a “support and see” approach, rather than waiting to see if they 'grow out of it' can make all the difference. Holly and Lauren discuss the common signs that it’s time to connect with a speech pathologist, explain how family involvement in all settings fuels progress, and share practical tips for choosing a service that truly aligns with your family’s needs and values. They also introduce two essential resources to guide your next move: Does My Child Need a Speech Pathologist? (Communication & Feeding Milestones) and How to Choose a Speech Pathology Service.
It’s been a while since we were behind the microphone, and while we’ve refreshed our format, our commitment to supporting families remains as strong as ever. In this first episode of the relaunched Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology podcast, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Clinical Director Emma Hyde to guide you through the very first steps of your speech pathology journey.Learn how we support families even before that first appointment through early assessment, hearing checks, and GP referrals, as well as how to navigate the choice between private and public services and make the most of funding options. Emma and Lauren also share practical home strategies like modelling and recasting to boost your child’s communication skills, plus introduce key resources: our Speech Pathology Funding Guide and How to Choose a Speech Pathology Service guide.Whether you’re preparing for your child’s initial consultation or looking for ways to get started with speech therapy right away, this episode sets the foundation for confident, effective support. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes!
Did you know that speech pathologists can help children develop social skills? Many of us may take for granted that innate understanding of how to interact with others appropriately. But for some children, understanding conversational cues, facial expressions and pragmatics does not come as naturally. Jo Nelson, an experienced Speech Pathologist, shares her thoughts and tips on how we can help children forge connections with others and adapt social thinking. Jo and Lauren also discuss how we can embrace a child’s strengths and interests to help them develop their understanding of the world and encourage them to interact with others without changing who they are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever considered alternative ways to support the unique needs of your family? Michelle Ebbin understands all too well the search for that ‘perfect solution’ when it comes to supporting children with special needs. In this podcast episode, Michelle shares her journey as a mum of children with additional needs, including Jett who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age, and how she created a product that was, in-fact, ‘Jett-proof’. Michelle is a big believer in finding the support you need to get through the day – no matter what your day may look like, and offers advice on how families can embrace their differences and create a village of people who understand and support your choices. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever considered the support of a psychologist when it comes to your child’s growth and development? For many parents, a psychologist maybe someone that is only considered if there is a specific problem or concern. But as Dr Rickie Elliot explains in this conversation, psychologists can play an important role in your child’s development, particularly when it comes to understanding their emotions. With what Rickie describes as a cultural and generational shift related to seeking mental health support; many families are becoming more aware of when to seek assistance, particularly related to anxiety, and how therapy can be beneficial in supporting both children and parents. Lauren and Rickie also discuss the important role of language when it comes to connecting with others and laying the groundwork to help children build awareness of how they are feeling and how to appropriately express these feelings. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you have a toddler in the house, chances are you know how tricky toilet training can be. But did you know that speech pathologists can help with this important milestone? Melissa Roberts is a Speech Pathologist and after experiencing her own battle in the bathroom, wrote a book to help parents understand tricky topics like stool withholding and the fears children may experience when it comes to toileting. In this podcast episode Melissa shares her tips on how to tackle toilet training, and how you can use language and visual prompts to help your child overcome fears associated with toileting. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alison Perry is a speech pathologist, and like many speech pathologists, she understands that helping children develop their literacy skills is paramount to their future success. As a trainer for the Sounds-Write Phonics Program, Alison shares her ideas on how we as parents and educators can develop our understanding of how to teach children phonics successfully and help them build an ability to read and spell. With young children of her own, Alison is fond of shared story time and provides some tips in this discussion to help you make this time with your child an enjoyable learning experience. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Assistance dogs are making a big difference in the lives of many people, including Maree Bendeich, who shares her experience with training an assistance dog for her daughter in this podcast episode. Maree’s daughter was diagnosed with Autism and Generalised Anxiety Disorder at a young age. Maree believed that an assistance dog would be a great way to help her daughter build confidence and even give her a reason to speak and interact with others around her. When Atlas, an adorable Autism Assistance Dog in the making, became part of the family, Maree knew she made the right decision. The process for training an assistance dog can be challenging and costly, but Maree believes the benefits and rewards far outweigh any of this. As a lover of dogs, Maree talks about the benefits of animal assisted therapy and how you can start your journey with an assistance dog. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever considered your experiences growing up and how much of this you may pass onto your children? As parents, we often look to our own experiences to guide what we do and hopefully teach our children about culture, heritage, and the lessons we have learnt. Cherie Johnson, owner and operator of Speaking in Colour, believes that communication across the generations is the key to effect change in our society. In this podcast episode, she shares her own experiences of growing up as an Indigenous Australian and how we can start conversations with our children about culture and heritage. As an educator and artist, Cherie also shares her thoughts on diversifying our exposure and broadening the media we consume to build a better understanding of others and connect with our culture. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever noticed that there is quite a bit of negativity surrounding parenting? This is particularly the case for those with children who have a diagnosis. Many parents will find themselves embracing the negatives just to get the support their family needs. Kirsty Russell, positive and inclusive parenting advocate, challenges us in this episode to flip the negative parenting idea on its head and start using the power of positivity to become confident parents and improve the family experience. Working with Allied Health professionals, Kirsty has discovered that positive conversations surrounding a family’s circumstance can impact the way they approach parenting. Using this experience, she provides an insight into how we can use empathy to tackle difficult conversations and help parents be the best versions of themselves. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lauren Haskins - Podcast Host, Speech Pathologist and Practice Director of A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology Every child is unique and will develop at their own pace. But as a parent, noticing differences between siblings and peers can often cause you to worry about your child’s development, particularly when it comes to language and communication skills. Lauren Haskins, Director of A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology and Podcast Host, talks about the difference between late talker and speech delay, and when you should see a speech pathologist. Offering an insight into what to look out for when it comes to your child’s speech and language development, Lauren provides information on the speech pathology process and how parents can access the support they may need. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As adults, we understand the importance of training, preparation, and perseverance when it comes achieving our goals. But how do we pass these important life skills onto our children? Tony Wilson has found a way to impart these messages in his children’s books, namely The Cow Tripped Over the Moon. In this podcast episode, he shares his idea of taking a popular nursery rhyme and asking; “What happened before the cow jumped over the moon?” This helped him develop a story that looks at the importance of working hard and building up to whatever it is we want to achieve. With a love of books and rhyming words, Tony shares his thoughts on the important role books play when it comes to teaching children valuable concepts and literacy skills and offers his tips on how to keep up with shared story time in a busy household. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
