Talking Together: From Our Couch to Yours

In this episode, we’re answering your questions! We dive into speech, language and behaviour questions submitted by childcare educators and share practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies for early childhood settings.

In this episode, we unpack the building blocks that come before articulation and explain why children often need a strong foundation before speech practice can be truly effective. We explore the role of regulation, engagement, imitation, play, language understanding and expressive communication in developing clear speech. You'll hear practical examples of how these skills support speech sound learning, why play is such a powerful therapy tool, and how speech pathologists work alongside other professionals, such as occupational therapists, to help children succeed. Whether you're a parent, carer or educator, this episode will help you understand what "speech readiness" really means and why supporting speech sound development happens long before saying the sound itself. Links: Queensland Government - https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/our-services/childrens-services/community-child-health/talk-with-me/early-language-strategies/foundation-skills Further reading on this topic: Laura Mize - https://teachmetotalk.com/

In this episode, we’re talking about what the speech pathology journey can look like for your child. We’ll break down the difference between speech or language goals, what this can mean for the type and length of support a child might need, and why every child’s therapy journey looks different. We’ll chat about why some children make quick progress with the right support, while others may need more ongoing, intensive intervention and how parent and community involvement can make such a big difference. We’ll also share real-life case examples from our own clinical experiences, including where children started, what strategies we used, and where they are now. Join us on the couch for a conversation about progress, expectations, and celebrating every step along the way.

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the development of Speech Cue Cards and share the journey from initial concept through to the finished product. You'll learn: Why we created Speech Cue Cards The difference between the Phonetic Cue Cards and Metaphor Cue Cards How speech sound cueing supports children's learning Practical ways parents, educators and clinicians can use the cards Tips for making speech practice engaging and meaningful Whether you're a parent, educator, therapy assistant or speech pathologist, this episode will give you practical ideas for using Speech Cue Cards to support children's communication in everyday settings. Join us as we explore the thinking, evidence and real-world experiences that shaped the resource we now use every day to help children communicate with confidence. Want to grab a set? https://www.houseofspeech.com.au/shop/p/speech-cards

This episode explores how educators can confidently identify concerns, gather meaningful observations, and communicate these with families in a supportive and collaborative way . It begins by acknowledging that educators often feel unheard, while also recognising the deep understanding they have of children through daily interactions . The discussion highlights the importance of: Consistent observations across environments and activities Focusing on functional impacts (e.g., frustration, participation, social interaction) Tracking observations over time rather than comparing children Using developmental milestones as a guide, not a measuring stick The episode then unpacks how to approach conversations with parents , including: Starting with open-ended questions to invite collaboration Clearly explaining what you’re seeing and how it impacts the child day-to-day Giving real, specific examples across areas like speech, understanding, and sensory needs Finally, it provides guidance on next steps ✨ Overall, the episode focuses on building trust, sharing insights clearly, and supporting families to access the right help early —without overwhelm or judgement.

Ever wondered what actually happens in a play-based speech therapy session? From the outside it can sometimes look like we’re “just playing” but play is far more powerful than it appears. In this episode, we myth-bust the common perception that therapy should look serious, structured, or separate from play. The truth is that in effective speech pathology sessions, therapy and play are often completely intertwined. We explore the key characteristics that make play a powerful learning experience: joyful, meaningful, actively engaging, iterative, and socially interactive. We also talk about the difference between adult-led play and child-led play , and why both have an important place in therapy. If you’ve ever wondered why your child’s therapy session looks like play, or questioned whether “just playing” can really make a difference, this episode will help you understand why play is one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting children’s learning and development. Links: Learning through play: a review of the evidence.https://cms.learningthroughplay.com/media/wmtlmbe0/learning-through-play_web.pdf

In this episode of Talking Together , we’re diving into speech and language development for babies under 12 months. We touch on what’s typical, what to watch for, and how to support your bub’s communication in everyday life. We cover what you can actually do to help: how to talk to your baby, why imitation and repetition matter, simple ways to build turn-taking, and how to make play and book reading powerful for early language. Finally, we chat about using Australian Key Word Sign and discuss when to seek support, including why hearing checks matter, why “wait and see” isn’t always helpful, and where to find trusted milestone checklists and resources. Links: Raising Children Network Baby Development and Developmental Milestones: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/first-1000-days/development/baby-development Speech Pathology Australia Communication Milestones: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/Comm-swallow/Speech-development/At-12-months.aspx

Welcome back to the first 2026 episode of Talking Together! This episode, Hermione and George chat simple, real-life routines that foster connection between children and the adults in their world. Drawing on ideas shared by parents, educators, and other allied health professionals, we explore how everyday moments like sitting at the dinner table, sharing highs and lows and family rituals can build language, support problem-solving and make connection thrive. Links: Klemfuss JZ, Peplak J. The influence of parent conversation goal and structure on children's event reports. Cogn Dev. 2023 Apr-Jun;66:101333. doi: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101333. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 39238806; PMCID: PMC11377029. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11377029/#S24

Note: This episode has some blurry video content and the video will cut out about 20 minutes in. This episode wraps up some reflections and learnings from 2025. We chat about mindset shifts, what kids have taught us and what we have changed in our practice over the year

In this week’s Talking Together, Hermione and Georgia unpack the foundation of reading: phonological awareness (PA) —all the sound play that comes before letter–sound correspondence. You’ll get simple ways to practise PA in everyday routines (no worksheets, no apps), plus a quick chat about the rise in sensory needs and why more outdoorsy, heavy-work play still matters. What You'll Learn: PA: what it is and why it sits under early reading and spelling. The core skills (in order): rhyming → alliteration → syllables → first/last/middle sounds → sorting sounds → segmenting → blending. How to model it naturally: book time, car time, line-up games, “sound hunts”, name play. Teacher/parent traps to avoid: don’t lean on letters too soon; skip tricky clusters for sound sorts (e.g., tr- in “tree”). When progress stalls: meet kids where they’re at, shrink the step, then level up. Sensory link: why less outdoor play can show up as attention/“rough play”—and what to add back in. Show notes: Grattan Institute: Australia’s reading fail — https://grattan.edu.au/news/australias-reading-fail/ Nkurunziza, Sheila. (2024). The Role of Phonological Awareness in Early Reading Development. European Journal of Linguistics, 3 , 15–26. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382213485_The_Role_of_Phonological_Awareness_in_Early_Reading_Development

We recap Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model and share five mindset shifts to reduce meltdowns by solving the real problem: unmet expectations + lagging skills. You’ll learn: How to spot “frustration responses” (and why labels backfire) When calm corners help—and when they’re just late How to build problem-solving skills through collaboration Why fair ≠ equal (and how to explain that to kids) New episodes weekly—subscribe and share with an educator or parent who needs this <3 Lives in the balance https://livesinthebalance.org/

This week we’re talking speech sounds . We chat about what’s typical for two year olds up to six year olds, what might need support and simple strategies you can start today. We unpack articulators (lips, tongue, teeth, jaw), voiced vs voiceless pairs (s/z, f/v), and why coarticulation makes “water” sound like “warda.” You’ll get practical modelling tips, playful practice ideas (in the car, at the park, during books), and when to consider seeing a speech pathologist. Links: Age of acquisition chart (https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/3330309/world-treehouse-chart.pdf)

It’s our Halloween episode…but after the costumes and dad-jokes, we dive into something all parents ask us about: starting school. If your little one is transitioning to Prep/Kindergarten, this chat is your gentle, practical guide. We cover independence (bags, lunchboxes, self-care), resilience (handling big feelings, problem-solving, asking for help), and why phonological awareness (rhyming, syllable claps, sound hunts) is the pre-literacy superpower. You’ll get easy, everyday ways to model routines, use visual schedules and “think aloud”, plus books and free resources to make the transition feel familiar, not frightening. Listen now, share with a friend, and check the show notes for our school-starter resource list. In this episode Independence before Day 1: bags, lunchboxes, toilets, buttons, shoes (velcro vs laces), and morning routines. Resilience in real life: modelling “big feelings,” normalising nerves, and praising effort over outcome. Problem-solving you can model today: “I wonder…” statements, collaborative choices, and turning routine changes into learning. Phonological awareness made fun: rhyming games, syllable claps, I-Spy by sounds, sound sorts, scavenger hunts, and Lego. Social stories, transition visits, and making the new feel known. The inclusive shift: “Is my child ready for school?” → “Is school ready for my child?” Links NSW Department of Education: https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/going-to-school/getting-ready-for-school/starting-primary-school QLD Department of Education: https://www.qld.gov.au/education/earlychildhood/prep/preparing ABC Kids Early Education (Bluey episode resources): https://www.abc.net.au/abckids/early-education/bluey-early-education-resources/starting-school

In the final episode of our Neurodiversity series, we share simple, real-life ways to raise inclusive kids—at home, in kindy, and everywhere in between. From modelling language and emotions to “I wonder…” prompts, books, and AAC-friendly tips, this is your practical guide to turning curiosity into compassion. This week, we answer a big parent/educator ask: How do I help children accept, include, and support neurodivergent peers—without making it awkward or performative? We cover: Modelling inclusion in everyday life (and thinking aloud as you do) Teaching empathy: naming feelings in faces and bodies Talking about differences & similarities (sensory needs, routines, play) Normalising multiple communication modes (speech, AAC, sign, bodies) Using “I wonder…” statements to invite—not force—social connection Turning “disruptions” into teachable moments in the classroom Simple ways kids can be a good friend (persistence, shared ideas, play alongside) Book reading: starting with stories when you don’t know where to start 💡 Parent/educator takeaway: Inclusion is mostly modelling + language. Narrate what you notice, invite kids to wonder, and celebrate both differences and overlaps.

In Episode 2 of our Neurodiversity-Affirming Care series, we explore one of the most misunderstood parts of language development: Echolalia and Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) . You’ll learn: What Echolalia really is — and why it’s more than just repeating How some children learn language in chunks (gestalts) rather than word by word Why scripted language from TV shows, books, or songs can be meaningful communication The stages of Gestalt Language Processing Practical strategies to support Gestalt Language Processors at home and in the classroom Why phrases like “say thank you” might not help — and what to do instead Whether you're a parent, educator, or support worker, this episode offers real-world insights and affirming practices to connect with kids who communicate differently.

Content warning: Episode includes discussion of mental health, anxiety and mention of self-harm. In this powerful and emotional episode of Talking Together , Hermione and George dive deep into neurodiversity-affirming practise , a significant shift happening not only in speech pathology, but wider healthcare, education and our community. They cover: What "neurodiversity-affirming practise" actually means Why old therapy models (like ABA) can be harmful The dangers of masking and its mental health impact What parents should look for in a therapist How schools need to evolve How language and identity matter deeply to neurodivergent kids With powerful personal stories, honest reflection, and up-to-date research, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting neurodivergent children. Plus: A crash course on terms like “neurokin”, “ADHDer”, “identity-first language”, and the “double empathy problem”. Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or just someone trying to understand — this is the episode that will change how you see neurodiversity forever. References and Links: 1. Crompton CJ, Ropar D, Evans-Williams CV, Flynn EG, Fletcher-Watson S. Autistic peer-to-peer information transfer is highly effective. Autism. 2020 Oct;24(7):1704-1712. doi: 10.1177/1362361320919286. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32431157; PMCID: PMC7545656. 2. Crompton, C.J., Foster, S.J., Wilks, C.E.H. et al. Information transfer within and between autistic and non-autistic people. Nat Hum Behav 9 , 1488–1500 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02163-z 3. Diagnosis of common health conditions among autistic adults in the UK: evidence from a matched cohort studyO'Nions, Elizabeth et al.The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 41, 100907. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(24)00073-5/fulltext 4. Chazin KT, Ledford JR, Wilson-Moses JM, Rajaraman A, Juárez AP. Centering Autistic Perspectives: Social Acceptability of Goals, Learning Contexts, and Procedures for Young Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Mar;55(3):812-831. doi: 10.1007/s10803-024-06242-4. Epub 2024 Feb 17. PMID: 38367102.

In this episode of Talking Together , we dive into the power of growth mindset and why it’s the secret to helping kids (and adults) tackle challenges with confidence. Discover the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and how a simple word like “yet” can completely transform a child’s mindset. In this conversation, we cover: • What a growth mindset really means • The link between growth mindset, resilience, and neuroplasticity • How to shift kids from fearing failure to embracing challenges • Practical ways to encourage effort over outcome • How this approach supports children with speech and language difficulties If you’ve ever heard a child say “I can’t do it”, this episode will show you how to turn that into “I can’t do it…YET.”

From bilingualism “causing delays” to whether AAC stops kids from talking, in this episode, we’re busting the biggest myths in speech pathology. We reveal surprising statistics about early intervention, school readiness, and what really matters when it comes to speech intelligibility. If you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about child development, this chat will change the way you think about these speech and language topics.

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest Australian Early Developmental Census data. With only 52.9% of children developmentally on track by prep, we explore what’s going wrong in early childhood education, the pressure on kindy educators, and why so many kids are entering school unprepared. We also share real-world stories from speech therapy sessions, discuss brain development before age 5, and reveal how overwhelmed educators are doing their best in survival mode. Plus, we introduce practical solutions and resources to help kids thrive before they hit the classroom. Australian Early Developmental Census: https://www.aedc.gov.au/data-hub/public-data/2024-aedc-results

In this episode, we dive into what questions to ask your child that matches their language skills and supports their language development. Discover easy and practical strategies used by speech pathologists to encourage engagement, build understanding and develop a child’s communication. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, these tips can transform the way you connect with your child in book reading and play.