Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Rita Shamoun
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Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology, each episode brings together expert advice, lived experiences and real family stories. With warmth, honesty and connection, Wine with Wita helps families feel informed, empowered and less alone. So SIP back, relax and enjoy the show!

  1. 5d ago

    Non-Speaking Does Not Mean Non-Understanding | Siobhan Daley

    Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training October is AAC Awareness Month. In this episode of Wine with Wita, Rita is joined by AAC communicator Siobhan Daley and Stephen from Liberator Australia. Siobhan is a writer, content creator and elite bocciaathlete with cerebral palsy. She shares how her communication device supports her independence and allows her to participate in everyday life. She also explains why non-speaking does not mean non-understanding and why AAC should never be treated as a last resort. Stephen shares practical advice for families and speech pathologists. He discusses choosing the right AAC device, supporting communication partners and challenging the myth that AAC prevents verbal communication. Together, they explore the importance of giving AAC usersenough time and privacy to communicate.  This conversation is a powerful reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect and be heard. Learn more about Siobhan and access AAC resources: Siobhan’s Substack:https://substack.com/@siobhandaley About Siobhan:https://www.siobhandaley.com/about Siobhan’s boccia profile:https://www.paralympic.org.au/athlete/siobhan-daley/ How Siobhan trained her greyhound using AAC:https://liberator.net.au/siobhan-trains-her-greyhound-with-aac/ Liberator Global AAC App Sale:https://liberator.net.au/liberator-global-aac-app-sale-is-coming/ Free AAC training from Liberator Australia:https://liberator.net.au/training/ *A note about this interview: The interviewee communicatesusing an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device, which means her responses can take longer to produce than spoken conversation. For clarity and pacing, some pauses, repetition and response time have been edited out of the published interview. Her words and meaning have not been altered. Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1 Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/ Connection Creates Communicationwaitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist Wita's WeeklyWecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753   New episodes every Friday.   The purpose of this podcast is to provide information.You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

  2. Sep 24

    They Told Me I Had A Perfect Baby | Raising Australia's Only Child With This Rare Condition

    Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training Sara Ruggeri was told she had a perfect baby. She knew she didn't. Her daughter Valentina is the only person in Australia ever reported to have hyaline fibromatosis syndrome. It's an ultra-rare genetic condition with between one and 200 cases recorded worldwide. But the diagnosis took seven months. Seven months of screaming Sara couldn't explain. Tests that kept coming back clear. Doctors who told her she was overthinking it. Sara walks us through all of it. A short femur at 32 weeks. A newborn screaming in pain. Months of 3am Googling. Then a lab in Perth found a gene variant no one had ever seen. The answer came with a sentence she refused to accept. No cure. No treatment. Manage her symptoms and good luck.  What she did next is why this episode exists. She went to an event she almost skipped. A professor spoke about gene therapy for another ultra-rare condition. She walked up to him afterwards. That conversation became a pathway to a treatment that will cost up to eight million dollars. This one is about mother's instinct. About being dismissed. And about what happens when a parent refuses to hear no.  In this episode: Mother's instinct and the 32 week red flag Hyaline fibromatosis syndrome explained Why the search for a diagnosis is the hardest part Medical gaslighting when doctors say nothing is wrong Why genetic testing came back clear Gene variants never reported anywhere in the world Why "no treatment" is a funding problem Early intervention from day one Finding your village A rare disease is not your child's personality Living in the now after diagnosis Valentina's Village and the $8 million Filling your cup as a special needs mum Connect with Valentina's Village: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinasvillageau/  Website: https://valentinasvillage.com.au/  Gala Event/ Ticket Link: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/an-evening-of-hope-1624311  Fundraising / donation link: https://valentinasvillage.com.au/donate/  Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009  Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/  Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist  Wita's Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753  This episode is proudly sponsored by Dom Panino, Leichhardt. https://www.dompanino.com.au/  Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology. New episodes every Friday. Trailer music info: Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/from-whisper-to-wonderLicense code: KLB05MGGBFENR9KW AD music info: Song title: All Our Dreams Artist: The North Licensing platform: Artlist Ltd. Licence/Certificate holder: Daniel Hannah Customer Number: Pb2iQA Certificate effective date: 31 October 2025 Licence type: Non-exclusive, worldwide licence to integrate/synchronise the song with additional content Licensor contact: help@artlist.io The purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

  3. Sep 17

    Autism Awareness Isn’t Enough: What Real Acceptance Looks Like

    Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents 🍷 https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training In this episode of Wine with Wita, Rita sits down with David Flood, co-author of A Kids Book About Autism, which he created alongside his autistic son, Justin. David shares his experience of Justin’s autism diagnosis at 18 months. He also reveals the moments that led him to become a passionate advocate for autism inclusion.  When Justin reached middle school, the invitations stopped coming and he began eating lunch alone. That experience inspired David to speak in schools across the United States, helping students understand the difference between simply being aware of someone with a disability and genuinely accepting them. David and Rita discuss the importance of entering an autistic child’s world. They explore how families can find support after an autism diagnosis and connect with others who understand the journey. They also talk about advocacy, kindness and belonging. Most importantly, they share how we can help every child feel seen, heard and valued.  David’s message is simple but powerful: awareness is knowing someone has a disability; acceptance is inviting them to sit with you.  In this episode 👇 Justin’s autism diagnosis at 18 months and navigating the early stages His experience of exclusion at school and eating lunch alone The difference between autism awareness, acceptance and true inclusion Helping autistic children feel seen, heard and valued Entering your child’s world and following their interests Connecting with other parents and finding the right support Advocating for your child during professional meetings Turning one family’s experience into autism advocacy Co-writing A Kids Book About Autism with Justin Kindness, community, human connection and trusting your child’s path Connect with David Flood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfloodspeaks  A Kids Book About Autism :https://www.amazon.com.au/Kids-Book-About-Autism  Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009  Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/  Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist  Wita's Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753  Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE The purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. New episodes every Friday.

  4. Sep 10

    Why Your Baby Sleeps With Their Mouth Open | Dr Mary Bourke

    Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training In this episode of Wine With Wita, Rita sits down with Dr Mary Bourke to talk about chewing, airway health, and what a child's mouth can tell you long before anyone puts a name to it. You have watched your child sleep with their mouth open and wondered whether it means anything. You have been told the teeth grinding is normal, the fussy eating is a phase, the broken nights will sort themselves out. Maybe someone has raised behaviour, or ADHD, and it did not sit right with you. Rita has been in that spot herself, standing in a dentist's office being told her daughter's tongue thrust was hers to solve because she was the speech pathologist. Dr Mary Bourke is a chiropractor of more than 30 years and the CEO of Myo Munchee, the chewing device her father, Australian dentist Dr Kevin Bourke, first developed after noticing how differently jaws grew in people who chewed hard for their food. Mary explains why most facial growth happens in the first four to six years, why chewing is one of the simplest inputs a parent has in that window, and how it connects to sleep, speech and what shows up later in the classroom. She and Rita also cover when the dummy's job is done, why swaddling past six weeks can get in the way of a baby's movement, and what to watch for at three to five months. If you are a parent who has looked at your child sleeping with their mouth open, watched them push food to one side of their plate, or been told it is just behaviour, this episode is for you. In this episode: - Why Rita trained as an orofacial myologist after a dentist told her she should already know - What a tongue thrust is, and how it reshapes a child's teeth and jaw over time - The jawbone on a beach that led to the Myo Munchee, and why Mary's dad kept going - Why children chew far less than they used to, and what that does to jaw growth - The difference between a whole apple and a pretty bento box of cut up fruit - When the dummy has done its job, and what Mary suggests takes its place - Why lips resting open is worth a closer look, and what the tongue is doing instead - How Mary connects early sleep trouble to what turns up later in the classroom - What Mary wants parents watching for at three to five months old Connect with Dr Mary Bourke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarybourke/ Myo Munchee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myomunchee/ Myo Munchee: https://myomunchee.com/ Handbook for the Human: https://www.handbookforthehuman.com/ Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009 Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/ Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist Wita's Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753 The purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/rain-of-light License code: LZFCDXTEOYBYGYI0 Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology. New episodes every Friday.

  5. Sep 3

    "You're Not Crazy": ADHD, Autism and a Mother's Intuition

    Three paediatricians told Jo Diaz her son was fine. One toldher she could "tell she was a first-time mum." She knew something was different about Cruz from the time he was two and it took years, four paediatricians and a file full of evidence before anyone finally sat down and listened.   In this episode of Wine with Wita, Jo Diaz from JD Marketing shares the raw, honest story of getting her six-year-old son diagnosed with ADHD and ASD Level 1. We talk about the sensory signs everyone dismissed, the year she spent trying every possible therapy before agreeing to medication, 2 NDIS rejections, and the moment a doctor finally said the words she'd waited years to hear: "I don't think you're crazy."   We also celebrate the woman behind the mum - how Jo built amarketing agency from scratch in 2019 while pregnant and heading into COVID and her powerful take on AI: "We have become so reliant on it to be our voice that we have lost our own voice."   In this episode we cover: Early signs of autism and ADHD in toddlers  Medical gaslighting and being told "he's fine, he's a boy"   Autism masking and how it affects assessments   Why ADHD and autism strategies can work against each other in a classroom  The ADHD medication decision, titration, and what changed at full dose  Two NDIS rejections and paying for therapy out of pocket  Occupational therapy, early intervention and mum guilt  Building an authentic brand as a mum in business and using AI without losing your voice Connect with Jo Diaz Instagram: @jodiaz_ Business Instagram: @jd.marketing TikTok: @jd.marketing   Wine with Wita Wine with Wita is a podcast about the families behind adiagnosis, the advocacy, the exhaustion, the small wins and the stories that remind you that you're not alone. If this episode resonated, please subscribe, leave a reviewand share it with a mum who needs to hear it today. New episodes every week. Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009 Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast      Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development.   Music from Author Username: Denisdrummer85 Licensee: Brigitte Ngo-Trinh License Name: Envato License Date: July 28th, 2026 Item License Code: BANXY58MHS

  6. Aug 27

    Motherhood, Burnout and the Pressure to Keep Going

    Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by speech pathologist, clinic owner and long-time friend Julia Orsini for a raw and honest conversation about the realities of building a business, leading a team and trying to hold everything together. Julia shares how the drive to grow a successful clinic eventually led to severe burnout and the moment she realised she could no longer keep going without asking for help. ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Building a clinic while raising a young family 💫 The hidden cost of constantly striving for more 💫 Recognising the signs of severe burnout 💫 Learning to ask for and accept help 💫 Redefining what a successful business looks like 💫 The importance of genuine supervision and mentorship 💫 Supporting the next generation of speech pathologists 💫 Why sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause ​It’s an important reminder that success is not always about building something bigger. Sometimes, success lookslike protecting your wellbeing, staying connected to your purpose and creating a business that allows you and the people around you to thrive. ​If you would like supervision or to find out more about Julia's group mentoring in speech pathology, you can contact her ⁠here.⁠ Looking for more support with your child’s communication?​​ Connection Creates Communication is my group program for parents and caregivers who want simple, practical strategies to build connection, engagement and communication with their child. ​The next round is coming soon. ​⁠Join the waitlist here ⁠to be the first to know when enrolments open. ​Lots of love, Rita P.S.: follow me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Audio: Author Username: Denisdrummer85 Licensee: Brigitte Ngo-Trinh License Name: Envato License Date: July 28th, 2026 Item License Code: BANXY58MHS

  7. Aug 20

    The Reality No One Prepares You For | Raising a Non-Speaking Autistic Child | Part 2

    Hey everyone, Part 2 of my conversation with Kathryn Denny is now live!​ We go deeper into Kathryn’s experience raising and advocating for her non-speaking autistic son, Jaska, and what it means to truly believe in a child’s ability to understand and communicate. ​In Part 2, we talk about: 💫 Presuming competence in non-speaking children 💫 Understanding versus being able to express 💫Modelling communication without pressure 💫 Listening to non-speaking voices 💫 Recognising communication attempts 💫 Continuing to believe in their ability to communicate. its a powerful reminder that just because someone cannot express everything they are thinking, it doesn’t mean there isn’t so much happening beneath the surface. This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Wonsie -thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing that supports children and adults with disability and additional needs. As a speechie, I know how the right supports can make everyday life easier for individuals, families, and carers.​ Wonsie creates adaptive clothing that promotes comfort, dignity, and independence, while making everyday care that little bit easier. Enjoy 15% off all Wonsie branded products with the code WINE+WONSIE at ⁠www.wonsie.com.au⁠. Lots of love, Rita Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development. Ad details: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE Trailer:  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/elegy-of-the-heartstrings License code: TQHUCREOAEKUT9F2

  8. Aug 13

    The Reality No One Prepares You For | Raising a Non-Speaking Autistic Child | Part 1

    Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Kathryn Denny, a mother of three,content creator and passionate disability advocate. ​Kathryn openly shares her journey raising her non-speaking autistic son, Jaska, from the early signs she noticed and the diagnosis that was initially missed, to learning how to understand and advocate for his unique way of communicating. She also shares how AAC has helped give Jaska access to a wider vocabulary, allowing his family to model language, acknowledge his emotions and include him more fully in everyday conversations.In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Recognising autism and navigating diagnosis💫 Understanding and advocating for non-speaking children💫 Presuming competence and looking beyond spoken words💫 Using AAC to support meaningful communication💫 Recognising behaviour, gestures and music as communication💫 Navigating healthcare, education and the NDIS💫 Helping every child feel heard and included ​Kathryn’s story is an important reminder that communication is so much more than spoken words. This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Wonsie -thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing that supports children and adults with disability and additional needs. As a speechie, I know how the right supports can make everyday life easier for individuals, families, and carers. Wonsie creates adaptive clothing that promotes comfort, dignity, and independence, while making everyday care that little bit easier. Enjoy 15% off all Wonsie branded products with the code WINE+WONSIE at www.wonsie.com.au. Lots of love, Rita ​ P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates. Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provideinformation. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about yourchild's communication and/development. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE

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Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology, each episode brings together expert advice, lived experiences and real family stories. With warmth, honesty and connection, Wine with Wita helps families feel informed, empowered and less alone. So SIP back, relax and enjoy the show!

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