Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology Podcast

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.

Speech Pathologists love books, so it seems fitting to culminate this series of discussions with one that focuses on the beauty of books and how stories can connect us and shape our perceptions of the world. Deborah Kelly writes stories for kids of all ages and shares her thoughts on how books can help you feel less alone and encourage children to imagine and follow their dreams. Her book “The Thing About Oliver” is a perfect example of how we can use stories to recognise all the components of a family, how we all might be feeling, and even the different ways love presents and guides us. 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 your child has recently been diagnosed with hearing challenges, you may be wondering what sort of support is available and are looking to understand nonverbal and alternative communication. This could all seem very daunting, but as Kimberly Lewis shares in this conversation, communication for all is possible. Kimberly was born deaf in her right ear and during her teen years was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder that affects the inner ear. Using her own experiences, she discusses how families can access services to support their communication journey. Kimberly also explains the difference between Key Word Sign and Auslan, and provides an insight into how early intervention services can provide children with the confidence and encouragement they require to grow. 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 wanted additional support to help you juggle all the balls that come with family life, career, and everything else in between? In our busy world, it really can take a village to raise children. But what do you do if you don’t have that village or support network close by? In this discussion, Irene Becker from 99aupairs suggests a different approach and encourages families to step outside the ‘norm’ when it comes to the support you may require when raising children and consider outsourcing. She also offers an insight into how Au Pairs can support your idea of ‘balance’ and ensure you can ‘juggle’ all the important things in your life. 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 a parent to four children, Asher from The Family Psychology Clinic understands that parenting can be a tough gig. We aren’t given manuals to navigate our parenting journeys, and even if we were, we would need a different manual for each child. So how can we shape our family life and understand the needs of each of our children? In this discussion, Asher encourages you to ask the question: “What do you want family life to look like?” It is through this question that you will be able to break out of the pattern of ‘reactive’ parenting and start to connect with your children and build a family life that is enjoyable. Asher and Lauren also offer an insight into how Psychologists and Speech Pathologists work together to support children and help them develop essential skills. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has your child ever had a massive tantrum in the middle of a shopping centre? If so, you are not alone. Many parents experience the challenges of big behaviours at home and in public places and they can often leave you and your child feeling desperate and unhappy. But the one thing to ask when these big behaviours are taking place is ‘what is my child trying to tell me?’ In this discussion Lauren Haskins offers an insight into how we as parents can understand our child’s behaviours and what your child might be needing in those moments. As a speech pathologist, Lauren knows too well that children use many ways to communication, and their behaviour is, in fact, a form of communication. To help you navigate these tricky and often messy moments, Lauren provides some tips on how to connect with your child in these moments and use language to help them navigate their way to the other side. 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 chiropractor when it comes to your child’s growth and development? For many parents, a chiropractor maybe someone that is only considered if there is a specific problem or concern. But as Dr Jacey Pryjma from Australian Children's Chiropractic Centre explains in this conversation, she and her team look holistically at how to support a child’s growth and can help family’s grow in so many ways, from pregnancy to tummy time, from your child’s movements to posture. Lauren and Jacey also discuss the important role communication plays when it comes to your child’s growth, and the value of Allied Health services working together to build strong and confident bodies and brains. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting your family’s wholesome food journey can seem daunting. Perhaps you are wondering where you should start? After her children experienced food intolerances from a young age, Kylie Pheils from Mama P started her own wholesome food journey which has since grown into a successful business that nourishes both her family and community. In this discussion, Kylie offers advice on how to make small changes in your daily habits and build on those little changes to support your family’s healing journey. Kylie is a big believer in the idea that what’s happening on the inside of your body is reflected on the outside and encourages parents to recognise symptoms of unhealthy habits and embrace nutritious foods. 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 wondered what services are available to support your child’s development? Carly from Beyond Boundaries Rehab and Lauren discuss the varied Allied Health services available, and how a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to your child’s growth often leads to the best outcomes. As an Occupational Therapist, Carly works with families experiencing a variety of challenges and understands that accessing services and having a choice can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your family’s goals.With a focus on the importance of clear and kind communication, Carly offers her parenting tips and tricks, including the age-old idea of ‘balance’ when it comes to work and family life. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up is not just for children. We as parents are constantly growing, changing and adapting. And it is through our own growth that we can support our children and help them grow. Lauren Haskins, Director of A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology and Podcast Host, talks about growing up as a business owner and a mum, and how this journey has shaped what she does at home with her family and in business. Offering insight into the speech pathology profession, Lauren explains how parent involvement is essential when it comes to your child reaching their communication and language goals. 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 asked: “Am I doing this parenting thing right?” It can feel at times that we are wading through uncharted territory with little to no guidance, particularly if our children have additional needs or challenges. Luckily, running your own parenting race is usually the best approach. Linda Baker, Speech Pathologist and ADHD advocate, joins Lauren Haskins of A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology to talk about how we can support our children, no matter their needs, and how to move away from a negative approach to parenting. By ignoring misinformation, Linda encourages parents to focus on the positives and our children’s strengths. Offering a special insight into attention challenges and the link between inattention and language, Lauren and Linda will help you understand how to meet your child’s needs and feel comfortable with your approach to parenting. Want to be on the podcast or reach out? Go here. Proudly produced by Newcastle Podcast Station. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.