Let's Talk Small Talk

In this episode, Libby is joined by author and advocate Elly Chapple, founder of Flip the Narrative and writer of Diagnosis Human. Elly shares the deeply personal story behind her book and the lessons she learned from her deafblind daughter, Ella — lessons about identity, presence, and seeing the world differently.Together, they explore the realities many families face when navigating education systems and professional support for children with complex needs. The conversation touches on advocacy, the impact of budget cuts on services, and the challenges parents experience when trying to ensure their child is understood.Libby and Elly also discuss the importance of language, relational safety, and moving from reactive to responsive approaches in both families and professional settings. Above all, this episode highlights the importance of trust, allyship, and collaboration between parents and professionals to support children in ways that truly respect who they are. Read more about Elly at www.ellychaple.com and buy her brilliant book here https://amzn.eu/d/08VWyVTs available in paperback and kindle

The podcast episode focuses on the intersection of autism and OCD, featuring the amazing speaker Dean Beadle sharing his personal experiences and insights. Dean explained how OCD manifests differently in autistic individuals, emphasising the distinction between autistic rituals and OCD compulsions. He describes his own struggles with OCD, including recent flare-ups triggered by life changes, and shares coping strategies such as acknowledging intrusive thoughts without giving them credence. Dean also highlights the importance of support and validation for individuals experiencing OCD, particularly young people who may feel isolated. https://www.facebook.com/dean.beadlespeaker/directory_contact_infohttps://www.youtube.com/@DeanBeadleukhttps://www.instagram.com/deanbeadlespeaker?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Libby Interviews Ruth Rowntree, Speech and Language Therapist and Founder of Speech Apraxia UK dedicated to information, advocacy and support for individuals with Speech Apraxia. https://speechapraxia.co.uk/Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is the new term which was previously known as verbal dyspraxia in the UK but Ruth is keen that all types of apraxia is supported.Speech Apraxia UK are a growing, internationally recognised leading non-commercial community organisation which reaches 85+ countries across their website and social media network to raise awareness worldwide. They support those with apraxia of speech, whether childhood, acquired, or primary progressive.Services they offer-Advice from a team of specialistsResource HubComprehensive information on therapies and diagnosesShowcase research and recruit participants/collaboratorsParent/Carer networkEvents/trainingNewsletterTherapy App reviewsExtensive resource gallery.You can become a member, free of cha.rge Use this link https://forms.office.com/r/6t0msV1w9z

Libby talks to Cathy Wassell who is the CEO and founder of the Autistic Girls Network Charity and founder of The Haven online provision. She is also author of 'Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person: A parents handbook to supporting newly diagnosed teens and pre-teens.'This is the website where you can also learn more about the charity itself and also The Haven https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/This is the link for the book https://amzn.eu/d/eBx7XYf

Libby interviews Cathy about Gestalt Language Processing and the natural language acquisition process. Listen to her explanation and rationale for working in a different way to previously, how the approach embraces a nuero-diveregent affirming style and has completely altered the look and sound of the clinic rooms at The Speech Den. They also touch upon the fact that not everyone agrees with them. Cathy's website https://thespeechden.com/ Cathy is organising another conference this October, which is her third year in a row. This years' conference brings fresh insights, the latest evidence base, practical ideas and solutions, and retrospective reflections. Professionals, parents and adult Gestalt Language Processors will explore how Gestalt Language Processors are supported across diverse settings and celebrate the real-world successes families and professionals are experiencing. To book a place on the on-line conference which starts 9th October https://registration.glpconference.co.uk/glp25

Libby interviews Sally Cat about this lesser-known type of PDA. Many of us are confident we know what PDA looks like but what if we are missing a huge group of people who don't show overt signs of PDA? Read more here http://www.sallycatpda.co.uk/2024/10/a-quick-guide-to-internalised-pda.html Sally Cat's blog is full of information that you might not have come across before including her Big Traits study http://www.sallycatpda.co.uk/2019/06/a-demonstration-of-differences-between.html

Liz is an award winning Occupational Therapist (OT) with 25 years of expertise. As someone who is dyslexic and part of a neurodiverse family, Liz brings a unique perspective to her work. She is passionate about collaborating with children, young people, parents and caregivers, supporting them to discover understanding, connection, neuro-affirming and trauma and sensory responsive tailored solutions and support that fits each family's individual needs. She helps parents and carers to regain clarity and confidence in their parenting experience, creating more meaningful moments with their kids, whilst remembering their own well being matters too. She supports parents and carers in additional needs families with parental burnout, mental health and well being so they can be the parents they want to be. web site: https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/ Podcast: https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/#section-fojBZLwt8

Libby interviews the wonderful Ali Battye, Speech and Language Therapist on Ali's three passions. She has written books about all of them. We love all her books but her latest book is definitely her best work yet. https://amzn.eu/d/gkW4FqJ

Libby interviews Jodie about autistic burn-out. This is a topic everyone needs to know about as it is certainly on the increase and is very damaging to the child or young person. Jodie is an independent specialist working with autistic children, their families and their schools, who has written two books on the topic. One for children and young people: 'Young, autistic and burnt out' https://amzn.eu/d/a0XMWRvand one coming out later this month for parents and professionals: 'Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A guide to understanding and supporting the recovery of autistic burnout in children and young people https://amzn.eu/d/bqjX5aUShe is also the author of The Secret Life of Rose https://amzn.eu/d/e4lFBIz which I highly recommend to anyone wanting to know more about autism, including children themselves.

DLD is the biggest learning difficulty you've never heard of. 2 out of every class have it. At Small Talk most of the SLTs have extra training in order to be confident about diagnosing it and working with children with DLD. We are passionate about making a difference for children who have it. Listen to Libby and Dawn discuss their views.

Libby interviews the lovely Danielle about her experience of PDA and also her new book Black Rainbow about a family's PDA journey through https://amzn.eu/d/9pr6aGQ

Small Talk Speech and Language Therapist Dawn Tomalin interviews the brilliant Laura Kerbey, Autism & Education Consultant and Author. They discuss PDA and Laura's recent book about PDA for teens. Laura has been working with young people with a range of learning difficulties for over 20 years, but er passion has always been working with and teaching those who are autistic. Having worked in schools and colleges, she understands the barriers to learning that autism creates and the frustration and anxiety that this causes to student's, their parents and staff alike.Her empathetic approach has always enabled her to engage and work effectively with young people especially those with PDA.