Talking Together: From Our Couch to Yours

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

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

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

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)

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 bodiesTalking about differences & similarities (sensory needs, routines, play)Normalising multiple communication modes (speech, AAC, sign, bodies)Using “I wonder…” statements to invite—not force—social connectionTurning “disruptions” into teachable moments in the classroomSimple 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.

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 meansWhy old therapy models (like ABA) can be harmfulThe dangers of masking and its mental health impactWhat parents should look for in a therapistHow schools need to evolve How language and identity matter deeply to neurodivergent kidsWith 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-z3. 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/fulltext4. 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.

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 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.

Ever struggled to get your child to leave the park, pack up a toy, or adjust to a new routine without big emotions or meltdowns?In this episode of Talking Together, we unpack why transitions can be tough for kids and share strategies to make them easier.Learn how to:• Avoid common mistakes (bribes, countdown pressure, and more)• Use visuals, songs, and sensory input to prepare for change• Co-regulate during big feelings• Create safe, predictable routines while still teaching flexibilityWhether it’s moving between activities, leaving daycare, or starting school, these practical tools will help you and your child feel regulated and more connected through every transition.

In this episode of Talking Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on speech assessments. From pre-assessment prep, what actually happens during the session and to what comes after, we guide you through every step of the process. Whether your child is in daycare or gearing up for school, this chat will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to support your child through their first assessment.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Talking Together !Meet your hosts, Hermione and George - two paediatric speech pathologists on a mission to educate and empower parents and childcare educators.In this episode you'll hear about:• Our journey to becoming speechies • How we discovered our passion for helping kids communicate• The difference between speech and language (and why most people mix them up)• What you can expect from future episodesGot a question or topic you’d love covered? Submit it via Instagram (@houseofspeech_).From our couch to yours, let’s bridge the gap in child communication support.