Therapod Podcast

Banu Rekha Balaji
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The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

  1. 20H AGO

    The Speech and Language Connection to Mental Health

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    41 min
  2. Beyond Speech: A Holistic Path to Communication

    MAR 30

    Beyond Speech: A Holistic Path to Communication

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore a holistic and parent-centered approach to speech and language therapy with Zainab Millwala, Chennai-based Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a wealth of experience from both India and the US . We dive into how communication is much more than just the spoken word and why we must look at the "roots" of a child’s development to see real progress. Our guest introduces her "Tree Model" of intervention, where the foundation of learning isn't speech, but rather sleep, gut health, and regulation . We discuss the unique challenges of navigating neurodiversity in an Asian context, where the pressure for "performance" and school enrollment often leads parents to focus solely on speech, sometimes missing the vital non-verbal communication their children are already using Key highlights from this conversation include: The Communication Pyramid: Why we must prioritize a medium of communication and regulation before moving up to language and speech Multilingualism as a Strength: Addressing the common fear among the diaspora that speaking a mother tongue will hinder English development. Our guest explains why multilingualism enhances brain development and encourages parents to "presume competence" in their children The Power of Storytelling: How stories serve as a natural, low-pressure tool for increasing attention and intonation without "testing" the child Navigating the Teen Years: A fascinating look at metacognition and helping older neurodiverse children navigate social "lingo" and pragmatics by moving from a "coach" to a "guide" Join us as we discuss why we should perhaps be called "communication therapists" instead of speech pathologists and how we can ensure every child—regardless of their diagnosis—doesn't miss out on the joy of their childhood #SpeechLanguageTherapy #Neurodiversity #Bilingualism #HolisticHealth #TherapodPodcast #ParentTraining #CommunicationFirst

    35 min
  3. The Flexible Seating Revolution: Reimagining the Modern Classroom

    MAR 23

    The Flexible Seating Revolution: Reimagining the Modern Classroom

    Send us Fan Mail “What works for a few children usually works for all. Why have special seats for special children when we can have a range of seats for everyone?” In this inspiring episode of the Therapod Podcast, host Carolyn Gelenter sits down with Heba Al-Jayoosi, the SENCO and Assistant Head at Mayflower Primary School in East London. Heba shares the journey of their "Flexible Seating Revolution"—a radical shift in classroom design that replaces rigid rows with a menu of choices, including rocking chairs, standing desks, and wobble stools. In this episode, we explore: Inclusion by Design: How Mayflower moved away from stigmatizing "special adaptations" to a Universal Design for Learning approach where every child can choose the seating that meets their sensory needs. The Chair Committee: How the project was co-produced with the children themselves, involving a "mammoth" survey of 357 pupils to ensure their voices led the change. Movement as a Tool for Learning: Challenging the myth that choice leads to "silliness," Heba explains how movement actually improves concentration, peer collaboration, and motivation. Normalizing Sensory Support: From "normalized" ear defenders available to all children to a "no rules" approach to seating, learn how removing stigma creates a sense of belonging. Rigor vs. Relationships: How Mayflower became the highest attaining primary school in the UK in 2023 not through rigid control, but by prioritizing emotional safety and the "relational" side of teaching. Whether you are an educator or a parent, this conversation is a powerful reminder that fairness isn't about everyone having the same—it’s about everyone having what they need to thrive. #InclusiveEducation #FlexibleSeating #Neurodiversity #UDL #TherapodPodcast #MayflowerPrimary #SensorySupport #DLD #AutismAwareness #EducationInnovation

    53 min
  4. Beyond Phonics: The Auditory Foundation of Literacy

    MAR 16

    Beyond Phonics: The Auditory Foundation of Literacy

    Send us Fan Mail “Teaching phonics before a child is ready is like taking a student driver on the motorway in their second lesson.” In this episode of the Therapod Podcast, host Carolyn Gelenter sits down with Professor Helen Stringer from Newcastle University to explore the fundamental power of phonological awareness. While the education system often pushes formal phonics at age four, Professor Stringer explains that many children lack the underlying auditory skills needed to succeed, which can turn reading into a "trial" rather than a pleasure. The conversation clarifies the vital difference between the two: phonological awareness is an auditory skill about how we deal with the words we hear in our brains, whereas phonics is a visual skill linking letters to sounds. Key highlights from this episode include: The Developmental Sequence: Why language develops from whole words to syllables and finally to individual sounds—and why jumping straight to sounds can lead to reading failure. The NAPA & NIPA: An introduction to the Newcastle Assessment of Phonological Awareness and the Newcastle Intervention for Phonological Awareness—free, evidence-based tools designed to help practitioners support children effectively. Vocabulary & Speech: How phonological awareness serves as the "hook" for learning new words and helps children with speech sound disorders resolve their difficulties more quickly. A Social Justice Issue: A call to action to move away from "one size fits all" phonics programs and prioritize student readiness to ensure no child feels like a failure at age five. Bilingual Advantages: Insights into how phonological awareness skills transfer across different languages, providing a bridge for children who speak more than one language. Tune in to discover how moving "Beyond Phonics" can transform a child's journey into literacy and language. #PhonologicalAwareness #Literacy #Phonics #SpeechAndLanguage #TherapodPodcast #InclusiveEducation #NAPA #NIPA #EarlyYears #Neurodiversity

    48 min
  5. Let’s Stop Pathologizing: Moving Towards a Needs Based Future

    MAR 9

    Let’s Stop Pathologizing: Moving Towards a Needs Based Future

    Send us Fan Mail "If we could get away from diagnosis and think about a child's needs, that might make a big difference." In this insightful episode of the Therapod Podcast: More Than Words, host Carolyn Gelenter is joined by Alison, a Speech and Language Therapist, Psychologist, and Deputy Director of Children’s Services, to explore the evolving landscape of autism and communication. Together, they dive into the complexities of identifying and supporting neurodivergent children in 2025. Key topics include: Differentiating DLD and Autism: Understanding the subtle differences in early history, nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors that help distinguish Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) from autism. The "Invisible" Experience of Girls: A deep dive into masking, why girls have been historically underdiagnosed, and the mental health impact of "holding it in" during the school day. A Needs-Led Approach: Why the focus must shift from "splitting hairs" over labels to providing functional, collaborative support that prioritizes social justice and the child’s voice. Navigating the System: Addressing the "madness" of multi-year diagnostic wait times and the trend of pathologizing normal difficult feelings, such as stress and anxiety, in young children. This episode is a call for a more inclusive, needs-based society where every child's unique way of thinking and communicating is understood and supported. Tune in now to join the conversation! Sponsored by Therapix, providing easy-to-understand, video-based strategies to help parents and teachers support children with additional needs. #AutismAwareness #DLD #Neurodiversity #SpeechTherapy #TherapodPodcast #InclusiveEducation #SocialJustice

    35 min
  6. More than a Label : A story of resilience and determination

    MAR 2

    More than a Label : A story of resilience and determination

    Send us Fan Mail In this incredibly moving episode of the Therapod Podcast, host Carolyn Gelenter sits down with Robyn Lascelles, a 37-year-old restaurant manager and barista who shares her lived experience with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Robyn takes us on a journey through her educational path-from a small speech and language unit to a massive 2,000-student mainstream secondary school She provides a rare and vital perspective on what support actually feels like for a student, explaining why she preferred "invisible" support from her teaching assistant to avoid the stigma of being "different" during her teenage years In this episode, we explore: • The Power of Advocacy: The role of Robyn's mother, Linda Lascelles (CEO of Afasic), as a "force to be reckoned with" in securing the right educational settings,,. • Practical Strategies for Success: How Robyn uses checklists, whiteboards, and even voice notes from her current boss to manage her short-term memory challenges and run a successful business,.• • Navigating the Workplace: Robyn's "full circle" journey back to her passion for catering and how a supportive manager makes all the difference,,. • The "Debrief" Method: Why talking through her day with family remains a key strategy for processing information and solving problems. Whether you are a parent looking for hope or a practitioner looking to improve your support strategies, Robyn's warmth and resilience offer a powerful reminder that with the right environment, individuals with DLD can belong, work, and thrive. #DLD #LivedExperience #TherapodPodcast #Neurodiversity #SpeechAndLanguage #Inclusion #Afasic

    42 min

  7. FEB 23

    The Life Skills Revolution: Beyond the Classroom with Dr Victoria Joffee

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    47 min
  8. Deaf Education: Language, Identity and Inclusive Classrooms

    FEB 16

    Deaf Education: Language, Identity and Inclusive Classrooms

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 6 of Therapod Podcast: Beyond Words, where we explore how communication and language shape our lives from childhood through adulthood. Hosted by Carolyn Gelenter, on this episode we are joined by Kathryn Gilgallon, Lead Teacher of the Deaf with over 20 years of experience. Kathryn shares her fascinating journey from studying marine biology to falling in love with Deaf culture, eventually moving from California to the UK to advocate for deaf children and their families. A central theme of this episode is the critical distinction between medical deafness and Language Deprivation. Kathryn explains that because 80% of language is typically learned through incidental overhearing, deaf children are at a high risk of missing vital language foundations during their earliest years. We discuss the "social justice" of ensuring these children have early access to a language-rich environment, whether through spoken language, sign, or both. Kathryn also offers incredibly practical Universal Design tips for making classrooms and homes more accessible, including: • Acoustic Hacks: Using tennis balls on chair legs to eliminate scraping sounds and oil cloths on tables to dampen the clatter of toys. • Environment Setup: Moving music corners away from book corners and utilizing rugs or plants to absorb background noise. • Intentional Listening: Turning off background TVs and radios during meal times to make "overhearing" easier for everyone. Finally, we challenge the "one size fits all" approach to education, particularly regarding phonics and reading. Kathryn highlights how visual support systems and Deaf pride (Capital D Deafness) provide a sense of identity and belonging that goes far beyond a medical diagnosis. Tune in to learn how we can move away from "tick-boxing" and toward a world that truly respects and enables the diverse ways we communicate. #DeafEducation #BSL #TherapodPodcast #DeafCulture #InclusiveDesign #SpeechLanguageTherapy #LanguageDeprivation #UniversalDesign

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

Information

  • Creator
    Banu Rekha Balaji
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Therapod Podcast
  • Show Website
    Therapod Podcast

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