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. 6d ago

    "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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Aug 6

    How One Simple Idea Became a Lifeline for Families

    Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Julie O’Donovan, Founder and Director of Wonsie and her best friend Christy, whose son Zac inspired the very first design. ​ After Zac outgrew traditional bodysuits, Christy found herself using sticky tape to keep his clothing secure at night. Exhausted and desperate for a safer, more dignified solution, she turned to Julie for help. ​What began as a single custom-made garment has grown into a trusted brand supporting thousands of families and care providers across Australia and around the world. ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 The hidden realities families with additional needs often face 💫 How Zac and Christy’s lived experience inspired Wonsie 💫 Designing adaptive clothing for dignity, comfort and sensory needs 💫 How smearing and undressing can affect the whole family 💫 The power of friendship, community and inclusion 💫 The parents who say Wonsie helped save their marriage ​Wonsie may have started as a simple idea, but for many families it has become peace of mind, dignity, safety and the freedom to enjoy everyday life with less stress. Sometimes the ideas that create the greatest impact begin with simply noticing that someone needs help. ​PLUS - You can use the code Wine+Wonsie for 15% off discount on all Wonsie branded products from their website www.wonsie.com.au​ This discount is valid until the end of September. 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.

  6. Aug 4

    What ChatGPT Taught Me About Communicating With Children

    Hey everyone, This week’s episode was inspired by a very relatable moment in the car when I repeatedly asked my phone to call someone, only for it to misunderstand me every single time. I changed my tone, slowed down, repeated myself, tried a different accent and eventually spelled the name out. When the call finally worked, it made me think about how naturally we adjust the way we communicate with technology. We give ChatGPT more context. We speak more slowly to Alexa. We repeat ourselves when our car does not understand us. We change the words we use until the message is clear. But how often do we make those same adjustments for our children? ​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Why communication is about adjusting, not getting it right the first time 💫 Slowing down and simplifying the language we use 💫 Giving children more time to process and respond 💫 Using repetition, pauses and clearer instructions 💫 Learning from the way we communicate with AI and technology 💫 Helping children feel included, understood and valued ​ This episode is a reminder that when communication is not working, it does not always mean the other person is not listening or understanding. ​Sometimes, we need to change the way we are delivering the message. We already do this every day with technology, so let’s offer our children that same patience, flexibility and willingness to try again. 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: ⁠⁠Connection Creates Communication⁠⁠​ ​ Questions? Email ⁠⁠rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au⁠⁠ or send me a DM on Instagram. 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.

  7. Jul 23

    Pregnancy Loss, Motherhood and Finding the Strength to Keep Going

    Hey everyone,   This week, I’m joined by Nikolina Kharoufeh, a journalist,writer, podcast host and mother of three. Nikolina shares honestly about the identity shift she experienced after becoming a mother, the postnatal anxiety and sadness that followed, and how asking for help helped her begin to feellike herself again. ​She also opens up about becoming pregnant with identical twins and the devastating moment she learned that one of her sons, Micah, had passed away at 24 weeks.​At the same time, she still had to keep going for his twin brother, Hugo.​​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Losing yourself in the transition to motherhood💫 Recognising when you are not okay and asking for help💫 Navigating pregnancy loss while still carrying another baby💫 Mother’s intuition, faith and finding meaning during grief💫 Giving birth at 30 weeks and spending 62 days in the NICU💫 Holding grief and gratitude at the same time💫 The support that helped Nikolina keep going💫 Giving yourself permission to stop, feel and rest ​Nikolina’s story is a powerful reminder that grief does not follow a timeline and strength does not mean pretending everything is okay.Sometimes strength is asking for help. Sometimes it is allowing yourself to cry.​And sometimes it is simply continuing to take the next step, even while carrying heartbreak.   🌿 Connection Creates Communication   Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy?   Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication​ ​ Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram.   Lots of love, Rita x   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.

  8. Jul 16

    How We Can Teach Children to Understand Autism

    Hey everyone, This week, I’m joined by Pauline Sorell, an early years specialeducator, support worker and children’s book author.​Pauline saw a lack of autism awareness in schools and the wider community and began asking herself how she could help children better understand their autistic peers.​In this episode, we talk about: 💫 Why autism awareness should begin early💫 Teaching children about AAC and different ways of communicating💫 The importance of representation in children’s books💫 Encouraging curiosity, empathy and inclusion💫 Why support workers are essential for many families💫 Carer burnout and the need for meaningful support​This episode is a reminder that not speaking does not mean a child has nothing to say. When we help children understand communication differences, we help create classrooms and communities where more children feel seen, heard andincluded.Grab a glass of wine and listen to the latest episode of Wine with Wita.​❤️ Get your copy of Jassy Bear 🌿 Connection Creates Communication Wondering what to do while you wait for speech therapy? Connection Creates Communication is my new 6-week program for parents of children aged 0–5, designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to support your child's communication at home. ​ 👉🏼 Learn more & Join: Connection Creates Communication​ ​ Questions? Email rita@rsspeechpathology.com.au or send me a DM on Instagram. Lots of love, Rita x 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 your child's communication and/development.

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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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