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. 2d ago

    Mouth Breathing in Children: The Red Flags Parents Miss

    👉 Want to understand how connection drives your child's communication? Join the waitlist → https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist   Mouth breathing in children is one of the most missed signs in paediatrics, and most parents have no idea what they're looking at. In this episode Rita is joined by Dan Jones, founder of GOAT (Greatest Of All Tapes), who spent 15 years breathing through his mouth after martial arts left him with a broken nose and a deviated septum.   Dan woke up every morning with a dry mouth and cracked lips. He woke two or three times a night just to drink water. He looked into surgery, found it expensive and unreliable, and assumed that was that. Then he tried a nasal strip from the chemist and slept with his mouth closed for the first time in 15 years.   As a speech pathologist and orofacial myologist, Rita hears Dan describe his childhood and recognises every symptom. Crowded teeth. An underdeveloped jaw. A high palate. A tongue tie nobody mentioned. All of it noticed by nobody, because at the time the only conversation on offer was braces.   This one is for any parent who has wondered whether their child's snoring matters, whether eight hours of sleep is actually good sleep, or why their child wakes up tired no matter what time they go to bed.   In this episode, we cover:   • What mouth breathing in children actually looks like, and why it's so easy to miss • Snoring, bedwetting and teeth grinding as red flags, not habits • Why eight hours in bed isn't the same as eight hours of good sleep • What orofacial myology is and where your tongue is meant to sit • Tongue tie, tongue exercises and what happens when a release isn't followed up • Why soft modern food means kids' jaws aren't developing properly • What the research says about sleep-disordered breathing and children's behaviour • Why both Rita and Dan say never to mouth tape a child • How to check your child's airway, and who to see first • Why Rita trained as an orofacial myologist after a dentist told her she should already know • Behaviour is communication, and what snoring might be telling you • What it costs to fix airway problems as an adult, and why early intervention is cheaper • Why "wait and see" is the wrong answer to speech delay   Connect with Dan:   Website → https://thegoatco.au/ - use code word WITA15 for 15% off your order Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thegoatco_/   Connect with Rita:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast 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   If this one landed, follow the show so you don't miss the next episode.   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.   This episode is general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to your GP, ENT or speech pathologist about your own child.

  2. Oct 22

    Mum Burnout Isn't Normal | Dr Hilary Claire

    Want more ways to connect with your child? Join the Connection Creates Communication waitlist → https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist Mum burnout is common, but it isn't normal. Clinical psychologist Dr Hilary Claire is a holistic parenting mentor, author, host of the Wild and Well podcast and mum of two. She thought she'd breeze through motherhood. Instead it hit her hard. Rita and Hilary talk about what burnout really looks like, from mum rage and brain fog to feeling wired but tired. Hilary explains why so many mums end up depleted: too little sleep, low nutrients, poor gut health and living in emergency mode. She shares small, doable steps to recover from burnout, plus the simple nervous system reset she uses herself. Then they turn to picky eaters. Hilary explains why a toddler won't eat certain foods, from zinc levels and oral motor skills to primitive reflexes and gut health. She also explains why your own calm at the table matters more than you'd think. In this episode, we discuss: What mum burnout looks like, from anxiety and mum rage to brain fog Why the belief that mums can do it all keeps us depleted How poor sleep, low nutrients and constant stress drive burnout Why me time isn't staying up late after the kids are asleep How to recover from burnout by starting with one doable step Why scrolling your phone isn't a real break for your nervous system Stress relief for mums: micro pauses and stepping outside Gut health, bone broth and why stress stops you absorbing nutrients A quick nervous system reset for when everything feels urgent Self care for busy mums and asking what the vibrant version of you would choose Why a picky eater toddler might be low in zinc or have retained reflexes How your calm at mealtimes helps picky eaters and emotional regulation Mentioned in this episode: Dr Hilary's Picky Eating Guide: https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/offers/AU5Sf56A Dr Hilary's books: https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/books Wild and Well podcast: https://www.drhilaryclaire.com/podcast Connect with Hilary: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhilaryclaire/ Website: https://www.drhilaryclaire.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 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. Follow so you never miss an episode. New episodes every Friday. Ad details: 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

  3. Oct 15

    I Thought He Was Swearing At Me | A Speech Pathologist on Understanding Your Child

    Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training During a therapy session, a client looked up at Rita and said, “Rita, you’re an A.” Her mind went straight to the swear word. She kept playing. Then the dinosaurs clashed, he got frustrated, stood up and called her an F. Now she’s doing the clinician maths. Where did he learn this? Who said it to him? What else is in his vocabulary? How do I raise this with his mum? In this solo episode Rita shares the moment that completely changed how she follows a child’s lead. Fifteen years in and her clients still teach her something new every week. In this episode, we discuss: Why following a child’s lead means more than using their favourite toys What happened when a client called Rita an A and an F Why your interpretation of a child’s words is filtered through your world Getting curious before you correct a behaviour Why parents hold context clinicians don’t have How a special interest became a vocabulary building tool Using a child’s own language back to them Why rapport isn’t the warm-up, it is the therapy What 15 years as a speech pathologist keeps teaching her Why there is no script in paediatric speech therapy Connection as the mechanism behind child development and communication skills What this story means for understanding your child at home 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. New episodes every Friday. Ad details: 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

  4. Oct 8

    Autism Parenting Without the Filter | Jay Yoder

    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 comedian, former teacher and autism dad Jay Yoder for an honest conversation about raising his autistic daughter, Alicia. Jay shares how he navigated Alicia’s early autism diagnosis and the grief, comparison and isolation he experienced at the beginning. He opens up about speech delays, meltdowns, elopement, puberty and the uncertainty surrounding Alicia’s future independence. He also discusses the importance of finding a community that understands. Through inclusive sport and meaningful friendships, Jay’s family found spaces where Alicia could be celebrated for her strengths. Jay eventually turned his experiences into comedy. By finding humour in difficult moments and saying the things many parents are afraid to say out loud, he helps families feel less alone while challenging harmful autism stereotypes. This conversation explores the reality, humour and heart of autism parenting. It is a reminder that an autism diagnosis is not the end. It is the beginning of a different journey filled with connection, unexpected strengths and dreams you may never have imagined. Connect with Jay:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayyodercomedy/?hl=en  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    Trailer Music: Music: 'The Calling' by Brock Hewitt: Stories in Sound on# Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound License code:H0CZIMGQKNGDA584 Ad details: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE   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. 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

  5. Oct 1

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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