Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology Podcast

When we think about communication, most of us immediately think of spoken words. But communication is so much more than verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a powerful role in helping children connect, express themselves, and participate in the world around them.In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Speech Pathologist and Clinical Lead Jamie Cullen to unpack what AAC really is and why it’s not a “last resort,” but a practical, empowering tool for many children and families.Jamie shares her journey into the world of AAC, how it’s shaped her speech pathology approach, and the ways AAC empowers children to advocate for themselves using the tools that best suit them. The conversation covers what AAC is, how speech pathologists support families to explore AAC through trial phases and parent training, and why using AAC alongside spoken communication can help children engage, connect, and participate more fully.Lauren and Jamie also explore how AAC is used in different settings, how the right tools are matched to each child’s needs, and how the entire A Growing Understanding team integrates AAC into their everyday work with children and families.Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, this episode is full of insight into how AAC can open doors to communication and connection - for every child.

What does it really mean to create an inclusive speech pathology service? In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins and Clinical Director Emma Hyde open up about what inclusive care looks like in action—and why it matters.You’ll hear how our team has worked alongside Pride in Health + Wellbeing to deepen our understanding, embed affirming practices, and become a Gold Tier service provider through the Equality Index.Lauren and Emma also share what it means to create safe spaces for all families, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, and how inclusion, advocacy, and respect are woven into everything we do.This is a conversation about Pride Month, about ongoing learning, and about why inclusive care makes for better outcomes for every child.

It’s a question we hear at every BBQ: “Should my child see a speech pathologist?” In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology podcast, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Clinical Lead and Speech Pathologist Holly Graham-Hayes to unpack exactly when and why you might reach out for support. You’ll learn why trusting your parental instincts is often the best first step, and how adopting a “support and see” approach, rather than waiting to see if they 'grow out of it' can make all the difference. Holly and Lauren discuss the common signs that it’s time to connect with a speech pathologist, explain how family involvement in all settings fuels progress, and share practical tips for choosing a service that truly aligns with your family’s needs and values. They also introduce two essential resources to guide your next move: Does My Child Need a Speech Pathologist? (Communication & Feeding Milestones) and How to Choose a Speech Pathology Service.

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 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.

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.

  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.