Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training In this episode of Wine With Wita, Rita sits down with Dr Mary Bourke to talk about chewing, airway health, and what a child's mouth can tell you long before anyone puts a name to it. You have watched your child sleep with their mouth open and wondered whether it means anything. You have been told the teeth grinding is normal, the fussy eating is a phase, the broken nights will sort themselves out. Maybe someone has raised behaviour, or ADHD, and it did not sit right with you. Rita has been in that spot herself, standing in a dentist's office being told her daughter's tongue thrust was hers to solve because she was the speech pathologist. Dr Mary Bourke is a chiropractor of more than 30 years and the CEO of Myo Munchee, the chewing device her father, Australian dentist Dr Kevin Bourke, first developed after noticing how differently jaws grew in people who chewed hard for their food. Mary explains why most facial growth happens in the first four to six years, why chewing is one of the simplest inputs a parent has in that window, and how it connects to sleep, speech and what shows up later in the classroom. She and Rita also cover when the dummy's job is done, why swaddling past six weeks can get in the way of a baby's movement, and what to watch for at three to five months. If you are a parent who has looked at your child sleeping with their mouth open, watched them push food to one side of their plate, or been told it is just behaviour, this episode is for you. In this episode: - Why Rita trained as an orofacial myologist after a dentist told her she should already know - What a tongue thrust is, and how it reshapes a child's teeth and jaw over time - The jawbone on a beach that led to the Myo Munchee, and why Mary's dad kept going - Why children chew far less than they used to, and what that does to jaw growth - The difference between a whole apple and a pretty bento box of cut up fruit - When the dummy has done its job, and what Mary suggests takes its place - Why lips resting open is worth a closer look, and what the tongue is doing instead - How Mary connects early sleep trouble to what turns up later in the classroom - What Mary wants parents watching for at three to five months old Connect with Dr Mary Bourke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarybourke/ Myo Munchee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myomunchee/ Myo Munchee: https://myomunchee.com/ Handbook for the Human: https://www.handbookforthehuman.com/ Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009 Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/ Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist Wita's Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753 The purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/rain-of-light License code: LZFCDXTEOYBYGYI0 Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology. New episodes every Friday.

Three paediatricians told Jo Diaz her son was fine. One toldher she could "tell she was a first-time mum." She knew something was different about Cruz from the time he was two and it took years, four paediatricians and a file full of evidence before anyone finally sat down and listened. In this episode of Wine with Wita, Jo Diaz from JD Marketing shares the raw, honest story of getting her six-year-old son diagnosed with ADHD and ASD Level 1. We talk about the sensory signs everyone dismissed, the year she spent trying every possible therapy before agreeing to medication, 2 NDIS rejections, and the moment a doctor finally said the words she'd waited years to hear: "I don't think you're crazy." We also celebrate the woman behind the mum - how Jo built amarketing agency from scratch in 2019 while pregnant and heading into COVID and her powerful take on AI: "We have become so reliant on it to be our voice that we have lost our own voice." In this episode we cover: Early signs of autism and ADHD in toddlers Medical gaslighting and being told "he's fine, he's a boy" Autism masking and how it affects assessments Why ADHD and autism strategies can work against each other in a classroom The ADHD medication decision, titration, and what changed at full dose Two NDIS rejections and paying for therapy out of pocket Occupational therapy, early intervention and mum guilt Building an authentic brand as a mum in business and using AI without losing your voice Connect with Jo Diaz Instagram: @jodiaz_ Business Instagram : @jd.marketing TikTok: @jd.marketing Wine with Wita Wine with Wita is a podcast about the families behind adiagnosis, the advocacy, the exhaustion, the small wins and the stories that remind you that you're not alone. If this episode resonated, please subscribe, leave a reviewand share it with a mum who needs to hear it today. New episodes every week. Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009 Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development. Music from Author Username: Denisdrummer85 Licensee: Brigitte Ngo-Trinh License Name: Envato License Date: July 28th, 2026 Item License Code: BANXY58MHS

Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by speech pathologist, clinic owner and long-time friend Julia Orsini for a raw and honest conversation about the realities of building a business, leading a team and trying to hold everything together. Julia shares how the drive to grow a successful clinic eventually led to severe burnout and the moment she realised she could no longer keep going without asking for help. ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Building a clinic while raising a young family 💫 The hidden cost of constantly striving for more 💫 Recognising the signs of severe burnout 💫 Learning to ask for and accept help 💫 Redefining what a successful business looks like 💫 The importance of genuine supervision and mentorship 💫 Supporting the next generation of speech pathologists 💫 Why sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause ​It’s an important reminder that success is not always about building something bigger. Sometimes, success lookslike protecting your wellbeing, staying connected to your purpose and creating a business that allows you and the people around you to thrive. ​If you would like supervision or to find out more about Julia's group mentoring in speech pathology, you can contact her ⁠here.⁠ Looking for more support with your child’s communication? ​​ Connection Creates Communication is my group program for parents and caregivers who want simple, practical strategies to build connection, engagement and communication with their child. ​The next round is coming soon. ​ ⁠ Join the waitlist here ⁠ to be the first to know when enrolments open. ​Lots of love, Rita P.S.: follow me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Audio: Author Username: Denisdrummer85 Licensee: Brigitte Ngo-Trinh License Name: Envato License Date: July 28th, 2026 Item License Code: BANXY58MHS

Hey everyone, Part 2 of my conversation with Kathryn Denny is now live!​ We go deeper into Kathryn’s experience raising and advocating for her non-speaking autistic son, Jaska, and what it means to truly believe in a child’s ability to understand and communicate. ​In Part 2, we talk about: 💫 Presuming competence in non-speaking children 💫 Understanding versus being able to express 💫Modelling communication without pressure 💫 Listening to non-speaking voices 💫 Recognising communication attempts 💫 Continuing to believe in their ability to communicate. its a powerful reminder that just because someone cannot express everything they are thinking, it doesn’t mean there isn’t so much happening beneath the surface. This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Wonsie -thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing that supports children and adults with disability and additional needs. As a speechie, I know how the right supports can make everyday life easier for individuals, families, and carers.​ Wonsie creates adaptive clothing that promotes comfort, dignity, and independence, while making everyday care that little bit easier. Enjoy 15% off all Wonsie branded products with the code WINE+WONSIE at ⁠www.wonsie.com.au⁠. Lots of love, Rita Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Ad details: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE Trailer: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/elegy-of-the-heartstrings License code: TQHUCREOAEKUT9F2

Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Kathryn Denny, a mother of three,content creator and passionate disability advocate. ​Kathryn openly shares her journey raising her non-speaking autistic son, Jaska, from the early signs she noticed and the diagnosis that was initially missed, to learning how to understand and advocate for his unique way of communicating. She also shares how AAC has helped give Jaska access to a wider vocabulary, allowing his family to model language, acknowledge his emotions and include him more fully in everyday conversations. In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Recognising autism and navigating diagnosis 💫 Understanding and advocating for non-speaking children 💫 Presuming competence and looking beyond spoken words 💫 Using AAC to support meaningful communication 💫 Recognising behaviour, gestures and music as communication 💫 Navigating healthcare, education and the NDIS 💫 Helping every child feel heard and included ​Kathryn’s story is an important reminder that communication is so much more than spoken words. This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Wonsie -thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing that supports children and adults with disability and additional needs. As a speechie, I know how the right supports can make everyday life easier for individuals, families, and carers. Wonsie creates adaptive clothing that promotes comfort, dignity, and independence, while making everyday care that little bit easier. Enjoy 15% off all Wonsie branded products with the code WINE+WONSIE at www.wonsie.com.au . Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE

Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Julie O’Donovan, Founder and Director of Wonsie and her best friend Christy, whose son Zac inspired the very first design. ​ After Zac outgrew traditional bodysuits, Christy found herself using sticky tape to keep his clothing secure at night. Exhausted and desperate for a safer, more dignified solution, she turned to Julie for help. ​What began as a single custom-made garment has grown into a trusted brand supporting thousands of families and care providers across Australia and around the world. ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 The hidden realities families with additional needs often face 💫 How Zac and Christy’s lived experience inspired Wonsie 💫 Designing adaptive clothing for dignity, comfort and sensory needs 💫 How smearing and undressing can affect the whole family 💫 The power of friendship, community and inclusion 💫 The parents who say Wonsie helped save their marriage ​Wonsie may have started as a simple idea, but for many families it has become peace of mind, dignity, safety and the freedom to enjoy everyday life with less stress. Sometimes the ideas that create the greatest impact begin with simply noticing that someone needs help. ​PLUS - You can use the code Wine+Wonsie for 15% off discount on all Wonsie branded products from their website www.wonsie.com.au ​ This discount is valid until the end of September. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode was inspired by a very relatable moment in the car when I repeatedly asked my phone to call someone, only for it to misunderstand me every single time. I changed my tone, slowed down, repeated myself, tried a different accent and eventually spelled the name out. When the call finally worked, it made me think about how naturally we adjust the way we communicate with technology. We give ChatGPT more context. We speak more slowly to Alexa. We repeat ourselves when our car does not understand us. We change the words we use until the message is clear. But how often do we make those same adjustments for our children? ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Why communication is about adjusting, not getting it right the first time 💫 Slowing down and simplifying the language we use 💫 Giving children more time to process and respond 💫 Using repetition, pauses and clearer instructions 💫 Learning from the way we communicate with AI and technology 💫 Helping children feel included, understood and valued ​ This episode is a reminder that when communication is not working, it does not always mean the other person is not listening or understanding. ​Sometimes, we need to change the way we are delivering the message. We already do this every day with technology, so let’s offer our children that same patience, flexibility and willingness to try again. 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: ⁠⁠Connection Creates Communication⁠⁠ ​ ​ Questions? Email ⁠⁠rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au⁠⁠ or send me a DM on Instagram. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Nikolina Kharoufeh, a journalist,writer, podcast host and mother of three. Nikolina shares honestly about the identity shift she experienced after becoming a mother, the postnatal anxiety and sadness that followed, and how asking for help helped her begin to feellike herself again. ​ She also opens up about becoming pregnant with identical twins and the devastating moment she learned that one of her sons, Micah, had passed away at 24 weeks. ​At the same time, she still had to keep going for his twin brother, Hugo. ​​ In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Losing yourself in the transition to motherhood 💫 Recognising when you are not okay and asking for help 💫 Navigating pregnancy loss while still carrying another baby 💫 Mother’s intuition, faith and finding meaning during grief 💫 Giving birth at 30 weeks and spending 62 days in the NICU 💫 Holding grief and gratitude at the same time 💫 The support that helped Nikolina keep going 💫 Giving yourself permission to stop, feel and rest ​ Nikolina’s story is a powerful reminder that grief does not follow a timeline and strength does not mean pretending everything is okay. Sometimes strength is asking for help. Sometimes it is allowing yourself to cry. ​ And sometimes it is simply continuing to take the next step, even while carrying heartbreak. 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication ​ ​ Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram. Lots of love, Rita x P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Pauline Sorell, an early years specialeducator, support worker and children’s book author. ​ Pauline saw a lack of autism awareness in schools and the wider community and began asking herself how she could help children better understand their autistic peers. ​ In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Why autism awareness should begin early 💫 Teaching children about AAC and different ways of communicating 💫 The importance of representation in children’s books 💫 Encouraging curiosity, empathy and inclusion 💫 Why support workers are essential for many families 💫 Carer burnout and the need for meaningful support ​This episode is a reminder that not speaking does not mean a child has nothing to say. When we help children understand communication differences, we help create classrooms and communities where more children feel seen, heard andincluded. Grab a glass of wine and listen to the latest episode of Wine with Wita. ​ ❤️ Get your copy of Jassy Bear 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication ​ ​ Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram. Lots of love, Rita x P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode is a solo episode, and it is all about two songs I cannot hear without thinking about communication. Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know and Justin Bieber’s What Do You Mean ​ Now, yes, they were written about relationships, but every time I hear them, I think about the children and families I work with because in therapy and at home, these two questions can be so powerful. How will I know what your child wants if they do not show me or tell me? How will your child know what to say if we do not model it for them? What do they mean when they say “that thing” or point across the room? And how can we help them find the words without nagging, testing or making communication feel stressful? In this episode, I share how parents can use simple phrases like “How will I know?” and “What do you mean?” to support their child’s communication in everyday moments. ​We talk about: 💫 Helping children use more specific words 💫 Modelling language instead of guessing 💫 Supporting longer sentences naturally 💫 Encouraging children to repair communication breakdowns 💫 Why gestures, tone and showing matter 💫 Helping children move beyond “that thing over there” 💫 Using everyday moments to build communication ​This episode is a reminder that communication does not have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest phrase can help a child pause, think, try again and use the words they already have. And sometimes, as adults, we need that reminder too.​ We do not need perfect words. ​We just need to keep showing up, keep trying and keep creating opportunities for communication to grow. Grab a glass of wine and listen to the latest episode of Wine with Wita. Lots of love, Rita x 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. 👉 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram. P.S.: follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips, insights and updates Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Maha Corbett, co-founder of SWIISH, wellness advocate, author and mum of two. Together, we talk about motherhood, raising neurodivergent child and the practical and heartfelt lessons Maha has learnt while supporting her son Joshua, who has adiagnosis of level three autism. Maha shares openly about the early signs she noticed,including speech delay, sensory differences and the period of Googling, questioning and wondering what her child needed. She also shares how speech therapy became one of the firststeps in their journey, and how she learnt that communication is about so much more than speech alone. It is about regulation, connection, understanding andsupporting the whole child. ​We talk about: 💫 Early signs of autism and speech delay 💫 Why communication is more than just talking 💫 The importance of nervous system regulation 💫 Working with speech therapists, OTs and educators as a team 💫 Advocating for your child across different environments 💫 Asking for help in ways that actually support you 💫 Celebrating small wins, not just focusing on challenges This episode is such a beautiful reminder that every child’scommunication journey looks different. It is also a reminder that the small wins are never really small. ​ These moments matter because they show growth, connection and possibility. And sometimes, when so much of the journey can focus on what a child cannot yet do, we need to pause and celebrate what they can. Lots of love, Rita x 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support yourchild's communication at home. 👉 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram. P.S.: follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips, insights and updates Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by women’s health expert, holistic wellness advocate and founder of Pagoda Tree, Natalie Kringoudis. ​Together, we explore how stress and nervous system regulation can impact our hormones, wellbeing and the way we show up as parents. Natalie shares why our hormones often follow the state of our nervous system, the importance of listening to the signals our bodies are sending us and why caring for ourselves is not selfish. ​It is part of caring for our families. ​Natalie also opens up about raising her son Jordy, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just four weeks old. ​She shares how she navigated the fear that came with his diagnosis, learnt to ask difficult questions and advocated for her child while continuing to focus on the ways he was healthy, thriving and capable. We talk about:​ 💫 How stress impacts women’s hormones 💫 The connection between our nervous system and wellbeing 💫 Giving ourselves permission to rest 💫 How our own regulation can influence the way we parent 💫 Advocating for a child after a diagnosis 💫 Moving from reacting in fear to reflecting with curiosity 💫 Trusting your instincts and asking questions 💫 Focusing on what is working This episode is a beautiful reminder that looking after your selfish not something you need to feel guilty about. ​ When we understand our own bodies, recognise our capacity and give ourselves permission to pause, we are better able to support the people who need us. It is also a reminder that a diagnosis does not define your child or determine everything they will be capable of. ​ Sometimes empowerment begins with one simple question: ​ What if everything is going to be okay? ​ Grab a glass of wine and listen to the latest episode of Wine with Wita. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode is a solo episode celebrating four years of RS Speech Pathology and two years of Wine with Wita. ​But this is not just an episode about business. ​It is about motherhood, creativity, communication, consistency and the quiet moments that taught me how to show up long before I had a business. I share the story of entering competitions while breastfeeding my daughters, how reading children’s books helped shape my understanding of language and humour and how those early lessons carried into business opportunities, grants, podcast growth and the way I advocate through communication today. I talk about: ​💫 The power of having a go 💫 Why consistency matters 💫 How motherhood shaped my business mindset 💫 The “just enter” mentality 💫 Communication, creativity and advocacy 💫 Rejection as redirection 💫 How small moments can lead to big opportunities ​ A beautiful reminder that growth does not always begin where we think it does. Sometimes the lessons that shape us most are found in the ordinary moments. ​The late nights. The stories. The small yeses. The moments where we simply decide to have a go. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by ⁠Anita⁠ and ⁠Valinda⁠ for a beautifulconversation about sisterhood, diagnosis, culture and the power of simply showing up. ​ Valinda is a client I have had the honour of working with, and Itreated both of her beautiful boys. In this episode, she shares what it was like coming to terms with diagnosis, navigating cultural expectations, and learning how to advocate for her children. ​ We also talk about the love between sisters, and how supportdoes not always need to be big or perfectly worded. ​ Sometimes it is school pick ups, a check-in message, sittingbeside someone in silence, or simply saying, “I’ve got you.” ​ We talk about:💫 Sisterhood and unconditional love💫 Coming to terms with diagnosis💫 Cultural expectations💫Supporting someone through a hard time💫 The power of showing up ​ A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest support is not knowing what to say. ​ It is being there. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development.

Hey everyone,This week’s episode is inspired by a phrase I use often in thetherapy room… teach, don’t test. ​We so often ask children questions like, “What’s this?”, “Who’sthat?” or “What colour is this?”… but sometimes, without realising, we are testing their communication rather than teaching it. ​ In this episode, I unpack how children learn language bestthrough natural, meaningful moments. Instead of asking a child to say the word watermelon over and over, we can model the word in conversation. “That’s watermelon. You love watermelon. It’s so juicy.” ​ Because communication should feel joyful, not like aninterrogation. ​ I talk about: 💫 What “teach, don’t test” really means 💫 Why constant questioning can feel overwhelming for children 💫 How to model words during everyday moments 💫 Why children may communicate more when pressure is reduced 💫 How to support your child’s vocabulary in natural conversation 💫 The importance of making communication feel fun, safe, and connected ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to pause and think about how we are inviting children into communication. Because when we teach instead of test, we help children feel more confident, connected and understood. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips,insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Lael Stone , speaker, educator and author, for a beautiful conversation about connection, parenting, play and helping children feel truly seen. ​ I first met Lael at the Seen documentary, and what stood out to me straight away was how deeply aligned our messages are. ​ Connection is the key. ​In this episode, we talk about how parents can foster healthier, happier relationships with their children, why play is such a powerful tool, and how simple moments of presence can make such a lasting impact. We also discuss how connection can support children with additional needs, and how Lael’s strategies have helped me not only as a parent, but also as a clinician. ​ We talk about: 💫 The importance of connection 💫 How connection supports communication 💫 Building healthier relationships with our children 💫 The role of play in parenting 💫 Supporting children with additional needs 💫 Why small moments of presence matter ​ A beautiful reminder that our children do not need perfection. ​They need connection, safety and someone willing to truly see them. Learn more about Lael here! ​ ​ Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode is inspired by a phrase I use often in thetherapy room… behaviour is communication. ​ We so often focus on stopping the behaviour… but not always on understanding what the behaviour is trying to tell us. In this episode, I unpack how children, especially those withcommunication difficulties, often use their behaviour to express what they need, feel, want, or cannot yet say with words. ​ Because behaviour usually does not come out of nowhere. ​ I talk about: 💫 Why behaviour is a form of communication 💫 How children may communicate before they have the words 💫 Why behaviours can build when a child does not feel understood 💫 How to notice the early signs of communication before things escalate 💫 The importance of meeting your child at their current capacity 💫 How understanding behaviour can create more connection, safety, and confidence ​ This episode is a gentle reminder to pause and look beneath the behaviour. Because when we understand what a child is trying to communicate, we can support them in a way that helps them feel seen, heard, and understood. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. ​ Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week, I am joined by Michael Sawan , host of The Comeback Blueprint Podcast , for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and rebuilding your life after everything changes. ​ At just 25, Michael was fit, active, and living what he believed was a healthy lifestyle, until subtle warning signs led to the discovery of a life-threatening heart condition. ​ What followed was urgent open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, a stroke, months of rehabilitation, memory loss, and relearning everyday tasks many of us take for granted. ​ Michael shares the physical and emotional toll of recovery, the role his family played during crisis, and how this experience reshaped his identity, priorities, and outlook on life. ​ Together, this episode goes far beyond a medical diagnosis. ​ It is about family, faith, perspective, purpose, and the messy, deeply human reality of coming back from life’s hardest moments. ​ We talk about: 💫 The subtle signs Michael almost brushed off 💫 Discovering a life-threatening heart condition at just 25 💫 The reality of open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, and stroke 💫 Relearning everyday tasks during recovery 💫 The role of family, faith, and support 💫 Why comebacks are slow, messy, and deeply human ​ A beautiful reminder that life can change in an instant, but resilience can be rebuilt one small step at a time.Listen to Michael's podcast ⁠here!⁠ Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. ​ ​ Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode is a very special one… because Wine with Wita has officially reached 100 episodes. 🥹🤍 ​ And for this milestone, I am doing something a little different. Instead of being the one asking the questions, my beautiful best friend Voula sits down to interview me. ​ In this episode, we talk about where Wine with Wita began, why I started sharing family stories and how this podcast has become so much more than I ever imagined. ​ We also reflect on the power of community, advocacy, vulnerability and connection, especially for parents who are navigating such big emotions, long waiting lists, therapy appointments, guilt, uncertainty and the feeling of being alone. ​ Because Wine with Wita has always been about giving families a voice. ​ We talk about: 💫 Why family stories have shaped the heart of Wine with Wita 💫 How the very first episode changed the direction of the podcast 💫 Why parents need compassion, not more guilt 💫 The importance of finding your community 💫 How conversations can help families feel less alone 💫 What 100 episodes has taught me as a mother, speech pathologist and human 💫 Where I hope Wine with Wita will go next ​ This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the last 100 conversations, the families who have trusted me with their stories, and the beautiful reminder that connection can change everything. ​ Thank you for being part of this journey. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. ​ ​ ​ Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hey everyone, This week’s episode is inspired by something I use often in the therapy room… a simple reminder that communication is more than words. ​ We so often focus on what children say… but not always on what they are showing us. ​ In this episode, I unpack how much meaning is carried through tone, gestures, and facial expression, and how these can completely change the way a child understands and communicates. ​ Because for many children, especially those with communication difficulties, words alone are not enough. ​ I talk about: 💫 Why communication is about what we show, not just what we say 💫 How tone of voice can completely change meaning 💫 The power of pointing and gestures in building understanding 💫 How facial expressions help children interpret emotions and messages 💫 Simple, practical ways you can support your child’s communication every day 💫 Why these small shifts can create stronger connection and confidence ​ This episode is a gentle reminder that communication is a shared experience. And sometimes, the smallest changes in how we show up can make the biggest difference. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. ​ ​ ​ Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.