Talking Children Podcast

In this episode we look at pharmacological treatments frequently used for children, particularly neurodivergent children. We discuss the evidence, the pros, the cons, the side effects and the stigma associated with medication for children.References cited:Mechler, K., Banaschewski, T., Hohmann, S., & Häge, A. (2022). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 230, 107940.Boland, H., DiSalvo, M., Fried, R., Woodworth, K. Y., Wilens, T., Faraone, S. V., & Biederman, J. (2020). A literature review and meta-analysis on the effects of ADHD medications on functional outcomes. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 123, 21-30.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.01.006Garland, E. J., Kutcher, S., Virani, A., & Elbe, D. (2016). Update on the use of SSRIs and SNRIs with children and adolescents in clinical practice. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 25(1), 4.Hetrick, S. E., McKenzie, J. E., & Merry, S. N. (2010). The use of SSRIs in children and adolescents. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 23(1), 53-57.Catalá-López, F., Hutton, B., Núñez-Beltrán, A., Page, M. J., Ridao, M., Macías Saint-Gerons, D., ... & Moher, D. (2017). The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review with network meta-analyses of randomised trials. PloS one, 12(7), e0180355.Dalsgaard, S., Nielsen, H. S., & Simonsen, M. (2014). Consequences of ADHD medication use for children's outcomes. Journal of health economics, 37, 137-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2014.05.005

In this episode we talk about the challenges that parents face when finding out their child is neurodivergent and how to take a fresh perspective on this situation

In this unscheduled episode we deep dive into the movie Wicked and how it relates to the autistic experience. Hopefully this will be a fun holiday listen for you!

In this episode we discuss the early signs of neurodivergence and how they presented and we missed in our early lives. We hope this episode will help you to understand the unique ways that neurodivergence can present in individuals and empower you to identify early signs in yourself and/or your children.

In this episode we tackle all the big issues to help you and your loved ones prepare for a sensory friendly and neurodiversity affirming festive season. We cover everything from food to clothes to presents and surviving crowds and unfamiliar people.

This week we look at how being a perfectionist is a common trait among the neurospicy and how this can lead to side quests, procrastination and self doubt. We discuss some ideas that can help you understand and overcome perfectionism in yourself and your children.

In this episode we look at neurospicy approved approaches to intervention for ARFID - Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. For more info see: Białek-Dratwa, A., Szymańska, D., Grajek, M., Krupa-Kotara, K., Szczepańska, E., & Kowalski, O. (2022). ARFID—Strategies for dietary management in children. Nutrients, 14(9), 1739. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091739 Brown, M., & Hildebrandt, T. (2020). Parent-facilitated behavioral treatment for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: a case report. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 27(2), 231-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2019.05.002Fisher, M., Zimmerman, J., Bucher, C., & Yadlosky, L. (2023). ARFID at 10 years: A Review of Medical, Nutritional and Psychological Evaluation and Management. Current gastroenterology reports, 25(12), 421-429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-023-00900-w

On today's episode we are discussing the unique presentation of Autism in girls. We discuss the way that gender bias in research and society means that girls and women are less diagnosed, later diagnosed and are less accommodated.

In Part 2 of this series we look into the genetic link between neurodiversity and chronic illnesses. See references below: Carrozza, C., Foca, L., De Paolis, E., & Concolino, P. (2021). Genes and pseudogenes: complexity of the RCCX locus and disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 709-758. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.709758 Dechene, L. (1993). Chronic fatigue syndrome: influence of histamine, hormones and electrolytes. Medical hypotheses, 40(1), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(93)90197-X Quadt, L., Csecs, J., Bond, R., Harrison, N. A., Critchley, H. D., Davies, K. A., & Eccles, J. (2024). Childhood neurodivergent traits, inflammation and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence: a longitudinal case–control study. BMJ open, 14(7). https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/7/e084203 Sala, R., Amet, L., Blagojevic-Stokic, N., Shattock, P., & Whiteley, P. (2020). Bridging the Gap Between Physical Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 16, 1605–1618. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S251394 Weir, E., Allison, C., Warrier, V., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2021). Increased prevalence of non-communicable physical health conditions among autistic adults. Autism, 25(3), 681-694. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320953652

A huge body of research shows that neurodiverse individuals are significantly more likely to experience just about every chronic health condition. In Part 1 we look at the statistics and research that investigates these co-occuring conditions. In part 2 of this series we will deep dive into the theories as to why this occurs including the role of genetics, hormones and exposure to trauma.

In this episode we posit a new theory that maybe our discussions on social interactions in neurodiversity are all backwards, could it be that the neurodivergents have got it right all along?

This week we discuss all the ways that we can advocate for our neurodivergent friends, family members (and ourselves) at school, university, work and in social settings.

This week Lu talks to special guest Dr Anna Cronin about the latest research and future directions in the care of children with cleft lip and palate. Find out more about Anna's work here: https://www.acu.edu.au/research-and-enterprise/our-people/anna-cronin Research we discuss: Cronin ,A. (2020). Toddlers with cleft palate: Enhancing communication through holistic child-and family-centred practice. Cronin, A., McLeod, S., & Verdon, S. (2020). Applying the ICF-CY to specialist speech-language pathologists' practice with toddlers with cleft palate speech. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 57(9), 1105-1116. Cronin, A., Verdon, S., & McLeod, S. (2021). Persistence, strength, isolation, and trauma: An ethnographic exploration of raising children with cleft palate. Journal of Communication Disorders, 91, 106102. Cronin, A., Verdon, S., & McLeod, S. (2020). Working with toddlers with cleft palate: Learning from clients and families. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 22(2), 101-110. Huang H-H, Hsu J-W, Huang K-L, et al. Congenital cleft lip and palate and elevated risks of major psychiatric disorders: A nationwide longitudinal study. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 29(2), 637-647. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104523120066 Junaid, M., Slack-Smith, L., Wong, K., Bourke, J., Baynam, G., Calache, H., & Leonard, H. (2022). Association between craniofacial anomalies, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder: Western Australian population-based study. Pediatric Research, 92(6), 1795-1804. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-022-02024-9 Tillman, K. K., Hakelius, M., Höijer, J., Ramklint, M., Ekselius, L., Nowinski, D., & Papadopoulos, F. C. (2018). Increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children with orofacial clefts. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 57(11), 876-883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2018.06.024

This week we look at the affects of trauma upon children's development in early childhood and how we can support secure attachment and health development.

This episode explores the phenomenon of of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, which is very common among people with ADHD.

Autistic people are often told they "take things too literally" but this might look different to what you think. In this episode we share some examples of literal thinking and how it impacts the communication on neurodivergent people. Here is a link to the autism online assessment we talk about in this episode: https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/autism-and-aspergers/adult-autism-test/adult-autism-test-results/results

July is cleft and craniofacial awareness month! In this bonus episode, cleft advocate Lucia Flint shares what she wishes everyone knew about cleft palate and her dreams for future advocacy and research. Follow Lucia on instagram @thecleftspeechie Follow us on instagram @talking.children.podcast

This week we talk about the phenomena of object permanence or impermanence or object constancy. This is sometimes known as "out of sight out of mind" or "if my eyes don't see it my brain deletes it". Its to do with monotropism and an inability to remember or maintain attention on things we cannot physically see. Its very common among people with ADHD and also Autistic people.

This week we look at monotropism. This is a feature of neurodiverse attention. It is also known as hyperfocus, flow stream, hyperfixation, special interest or obession in Autism and ADHD. We discuss what monotropism looks like in real life and how to view it from a strengths-based perspective. You can also do the quiz to assess your own level of monotropism: https://dlcincluded.github.io/MQ/ Research articles: Garau, V., Murray, A. L., Woods, R., Chown, N., Hallett, S., Murray, F., … Fletcher-Watson, S. (2023, June 14). Development and Validation of a Novel Self-Report Measure of Monotropism in Autistic and Non-Autistic People: The Monotropism Questionnaire. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/ft73y Monotropism self reported questionnaire: https://osf.io/wpx5g/ Murray, D., Lesser, M., & Lawson, W. (2005). Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism. Autism, 9(2), 139-156. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361305051398 Murray, D. (2018). Monotropism–an interest based account of autism. Encyclopedia of autism spectrum disorders, 10, 978-981. More links: ⁠⁠https://monotropism.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://reframingautism.org.au/monotropism-learning-flow-state/#:~:text=Monotropism%20is%20a%20distinct%20cognitive,unique%20viewpoint%20on%20the%20world.⁠⁠

This episode looks at aspects of executive functioning in the brain, we discuss potential challenges in executive function and identify everyday hacks and work-arounds for supporting people with executive functioning challenges.

In this episode we discuss Auditory Processing Disorder, which is very commonly experienced among people with ADHD and Autism. We look at the prevalence, what it is, how to recognise APD in yourself and others and strategies that can help.

In this episode we deep dive into all the ways that sensory processing issues can show up in our lives. Some people are sensory seeking while others are sensory avoidant, others are somewhere in between depending on the context and the stimulus. We discuss our own sensory processing and modifications that can be made to the environment to support diverse sensory processing needs.

In this episode we discuss childhood apraxia of speech also known as CAS. We talk about this motor speech disorder, its prevalence, features and approaches to treatment.

In this episode we look at the statistics around the experience of mental health issues among people who are neurodiverse. We also discuss why neurodiverse people are more vulnerable to abuse and what strategies we can put in place to reduce this vulnerability in children from an early age. **Trigger warning, we discuss sexual abuse, suicide and domestic violence.

In this episode Lucia shares her honours research looking at the experiences of parents in raising children and supporting communication development in Australia.

This week we are sharing some insights into providing evidence based reading instruction - teaching kids to read, write and spell. Helpful links for literacy: https://www.learnwithlee.net/ https://twitter.com/lifelonglit?lang=en https://www.readingdoctor.com.au/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogks_oVVPok https://pamelasnow.blogspot.com/ https://svp-slp.com/the-ultimate-free-resource-guide-for-speech-language-pathologists/

Have you ever heard of the term echolalia? Maybe its Gestalt Language Processing! This is a newer area of research in understanding different ways of acquiring language. Many Gestalt Language Processors are neurodiverse and so we see these types of communicators a lot in our work. This episode dives into what GLP is and how we can support people who communicate using Gestalts.

Picky eating, problem feeder and ‘the white diet', we've heard it all before. But is there more to it than that? In this episode Sarah and Lucia discuss ‘Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder' also known as ARFID. This episode unpacks; - What is ARFID? - What is the DSM5 diagnostic criteria for ARFID? - What are the commonly co-occurring factors alongside ARFID? - How is ARFID managed and treated? - Who is involved in supporting people with ARFID? - The link between ARFID and neurodiversity. Key references used for this episode Brigham, K. S., Manzo, L. D., Eddy, K. T., & Thomas, J. J. (2018). Evaluation and treatment of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in adolescents. Current Pediatrics Reports, 6, 107-113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-018-0162-y Cobbaert, L., & Rose, A. (2023). Eating disorders and neurodivergence: A stepped care approach. Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia. https://nedc.com.au/assets/NEDC-Publications/Eating-Disorders-and-Neurodivergence-A-Stepped-Care-Approach.pdf Dovey, T. M., Kumari, V., & Blissett, J. (2019). Eating behaviour, behavioural problems and sensory profiles of children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), autistic spectrum disorders or picky eating: Same or different?. European Psychiatry, 61, 56-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.06.008 Hay, P., Mitchison, D., Collado, A. E. L., González-Chica, D. A., Stocks, N., & Touyz, S. (2017). Burden and health-related quality of life of eating disorders, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), in the Australian population. Journal of Eating Disorders, 5, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-017-0149-z Zimmerman, J., & Fisher, M. (2017). Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 47(4), 95-103.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2017.02.005

In this episode Sarah and Lucia discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) also known as a Pervasive Desire for Autonomy. This frequently occurs within neurodiverse children with Autism and ADHD and can be especially challenging for children, parents, teachers and speech pathologists. This episode offers understanding of the underlying processes in PDA and helpful strategies to support children.

In this episode Lucia and Sarah discuss the pros and cons of screen time when it comes to children's language development. Recent research shows that screen time reduces the amount of interaction that children have with their parents, but is it all bad news? Or could there be some benefits when it comes to using screens with our children? Tune in to find out! Key references: Brushe, M. E., Haag, D. G., Melhuish, E. C., Reilly, S., & Gregory, T. (2024). Screen Time and Parent-Child Talk When Children Are Aged 12 to 36 Months. JAMA Pediatrics. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6790 Madigan, S., McArthur, B. A., Anhorn, C., Eirich, R., & Christakis, D. A. (2020). Associations between screen use and child language skills: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 174(7), 665-675.

In this episode Lucia and Sarah discuss: What is ADHD? What are some common features? What are common myths about ADHD? What can we do to support ADHD?

In this episode I chat with Lucia Flint who shares her experience of being born with a cleft lip and palate, its the impact on her life and her family's experiences of accessing services. Lucia talks about moving from patient to health practitioner and everything she has learnt along the way. For support related to cleft lip or palate see the following resources: https://cleftpalsnsw.org.au/ https://www.cleftpalsvic.com/ https://www.cleftpalsvic.com/hospitals_and_links/books/ https://allisonfors.com/cleft-lip-and-palate-books/ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cleft-palate-and-cleft-lip

In this episode paediatric speech pathology researcher discusses her work on how families can be best supported to engage in speech therapy with their children.

In this episode I discuss Dr Anna Cronin's research on the experience of cleft lip and palate in early childhood.

In this episode I talk with Shaun Zeigenfusz to discuss developmental language disorder (DLD) which affects 2 children in every classroom.

In this episode I talk about the diagnostic criteria for autism and common features of autism in children.

Part 2 of our Autism series. In this episode I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Autism with special guest Lucia Flint. We cover topics such as whether autism is becoming more common, masking, stimming, regression and meltdowns. This episode is busting common myths with the latest research on neurodiversity affirming practices.

In this episode I speak with Rich Stephens, a speech-language pathologist and person who stutters. Rich is the founder of SAY: Australia, a Melbourne-based national not-for-profit organisation that supports, empowers, and educates young people who stutter aged 7-18 years and the world that surrounds them. Rich discusses his experience of finding a community with other people who stutter, accepting himself and supporting young people who stutter to do the same. SAY: Australia runs FREE comprehensive and innovative educational arts programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. Their aim is to build a community of acceptance, friendship, and encouragement for young people who stutter. They also run a summer camp for young people who stutter. For more information see: https://www.sayaustralia.org.au/ Or contact Rich: rich@sayaustralia.org.au

This taster gives a quick introduction of what to expect from the Talking Children Podcast.

In this episode I unpack the 6 steps to the SPRING approach to supporting communication development in children.

In this episode I discuss the science around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and how they impact upon children's development with a particular focus on language development. I also discuss how we can support children to health from their trauma and create positive relationships to enhance lifelong outcomes.

In this episode I explain what baby sign is and its potential benefits. I then provide step by step tips for introducing baby sign with a little one.

This episode looks at children who are learning to speak or use more than one language. In Australia, 1 in 6 children start school speaking a language other than English, so there are many parents and teachers who are eager to know how best to support their language development. I draw upon the research to share 5 key facts and dispel 5 common myths around multilingualism in children.

This episode discusses the importance of early identification and early intervention for communication difficulties. I draw upon research evidence to discuss the risks of waiting and the benefits of acting early upon concerns about a child's communication. I talk about the important role both parents and teachers play in this process. I also discuss the communication milestones developed by Speech Pathology Australia and how these can be used to help identify children who may need support for their communication.

This episode introduces stuttering in early childhood. The types of stuttering behaviours are described and information is provided about risk factors and when to seek help. The episode concludes with a list of dos and don'ts when talking with a child who stutters.

This episode discusses how children learn the sounds in their language. We talk about the typical processes that children go through when learning their sounds and at what age sounds are acquired by children in English. Strategies for supporting children to learn their sounds and an activity for identifying whether a child might need support with their speech development are provided.

This week's episode explores the way that babies communicate in their first few months of life including eye contact, facial expressions, babbling and gesture. We also describe how adults use “baby talk” to communicate with babies and help them to learn language. I then share three ways that adults can engage with babies to help lay the essential early foundations for language learning and communication.

In this episode we cover the basics of how children learn language and discuss the importance of interaction with primary caregivers. This episode lays the foundation for understanding all of the future topics we will cover on the podcast. I unpack the simple mantra of: talk, read, play to help support children's language development from their earliest moments.

This episode provides an introduction to the Talking Children Podcast.