Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Hey everyone,

This week’s episode is inspired by a phrase I use often in thetherapy room… behaviour is communication.

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We so often focus on stopping the behaviour… but not always on understanding what the behaviour is trying to tell us.

In this episode, I unpack how children, especially those withcommunication difficulties, often use their behaviour to express what they need, feel, want, or cannot yet say with words.

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Because behaviour usually does not come out of nowhere.

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I talk about:
💫 Why behaviour is a form of communication
💫 How children may communicate before they have the words
💫 Why behaviours can build when a child does not feel understood
💫 How to notice the early signs of communication before things escalate
💫 The importance of meeting your child at their current capacity
💫 How understanding behaviour can create more connection, safety, and confidence

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This episode is a gentle reminder to pause and look beneath the behaviour. Because when we understand what a child is trying to communicate, we can support them in a way that helps them feel seen, heard, and understood.

Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Michael Sawan, host of The Comeback Blueprint Podcast, for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and rebuilding your life after everything changes.

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At just 25, Michael was fit, active, and living what he believed was a healthy lifestyle, until subtle warning signs led to the discovery of a life-threatening heart condition.

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What followed was urgent open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, a stroke, months of rehabilitation, memory loss, and relearning everyday tasks many of us take for granted.

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Michael shares the physical and emotional toll of recovery, the role his family played during crisis, and how this experience reshaped his identity, priorities, and outlook on life.

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Together, this episode goes far beyond a medical diagnosis.

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It is about family, faith, perspective, purpose, and the messy, deeply human reality of coming back from life’s hardest moments.

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We talk about:
💫 The subtle signs Michael almost brushed off
💫 Discovering a life-threatening heart condition at just 25
💫 The reality of open-heart surgery, cardiac arrest, and stroke
💫 Relearning everyday tasks during recovery
💫 The role of family, faith, and support
💫 Why comebacks are slow, messy, and deeply human

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A beautiful reminder that life can change in an instant, but resilience can be rebuilt one small step at a time.Listen to Michael's podcast ⁠here!⁠Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week’s episode is a very special one… because Wine with Wita has officially reached 100 episodes. 🥹🤍

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And for this milestone, I am doing something a little different.

Instead of being the one asking the questions, my beautiful best friend Voula sits down to interview me.

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In this episode, we talk about where Wine with Wita began, why I started sharing family stories and how this podcast has become so much more than I ever imagined.

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We also reflect on the power of community, advocacy, vulnerability and connection, especially for parents who are navigating such big emotions, long waiting lists, therapy appointments, guilt, uncertainty and the feeling of being alone.

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Because Wine with Wita has always been about giving families a voice.

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We talk about:
💫 Why family stories have shaped the heart of Wine with Wita
💫 How the very first episode changed the direction of the podcast
💫 Why parents need compassion, not more guilt
💫 The importance of finding your community
💫 How conversations can help families feel less alone
💫 What 100 episodes has taught me as a mother, speech pathologist and human
💫 Where I hope Wine with Wita will go next

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This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the last 100 conversations, the families who have trusted me with their stories, and the beautiful reminder that connection can change everything.

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Thank you for being part of this journey.

Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

Hey everyone,

This week’s episode is inspired by something I use often in the therapy room… a simple reminder that communication is more than words.

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We so often focus on what children say… but not always on what they are showing us.

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In this episode, I unpack how much meaning is carried through tone, gestures, and facial expression, and how these can completely change the way a child understands and communicates.

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Because for many children, especially those with communication difficulties, words alone are not enough.

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I talk about:
💫 Why communication is about what we show, not just what we say
💫 How tone of voice can completely change meaning
💫 The power of pointing and gestures in building understanding
💫 How facial expressions help children interpret emotions and messages
💫 Simple, practical ways you can support your child’s communication every day
💫 Why these small shifts can create stronger connection and confidence

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This episode is a gentle reminder that communication is a shared experience. And sometimes, the smallest changes in how we show up can make the biggest difference.

Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Carol and Karen for a deeply powerful and perspective-shifting conversation about what it truly means to create a full life for individuals with disabilities.

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Carol shares her lived experience raising her daughter Maddie, who has Down syndrome, and the intentional decisions that shaped her independence, confidence, and outlook on life.

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From the very beginning, Carol made one thing clear… she would never focus on what Maddie couldn’t do, only what she could.

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Now 32, Maddie’s life is a reflection of that belief.

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Karen, CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, brings another layer to this conversation, sharing how meaningful employment, community, and opportunity can completely transform outcomes for individuals and families.

Together, this episode goes far beyond a diagnosis.

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It is about identity, independence, and what becomes possible when we raise expectations and truly support individuals to thrive.

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We talk about:
💫 The power of focusing on ability over disability
💫 How one belief helped Maddie learn she can do hard things
💫 The difference between having a job and having a life
💫 How Greenacres creates real opportunities, purpose, and community
💫 Why independence, even when it feels uncomfortable, matters so much
💫 The importance of raising expectations to create possibility

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A beautiful reminder that when we believe in what someone can do, and give them the right environment to grow… the outcomes can be far greater than we ever imagined.

Follow along with Greenacres Disability Services &
​IMAGINE Homewares & Hampers or visit their website here to learn more!

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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode on a phrase I hear so often in the therapy room… “This is not what I expected for my child.”

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We unpack the emotional weight behind this and the reality so many parents face after a diagnosis. The grief of unmet expectations, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments where everything feels overwhelming.

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Because often, it is not just the diagnosis that is hard. It is the shift in the future you once imagined.

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I talk about:
💫 The impact of expectations and how they can lead to disappointment
💫 The emotional reality parents experience after a diagnosis
💫 Why early support and understanding can change everything
💫 The importance of letting go of the child you expected and embracing the child in front of you
💫 How children with additional needs teach families a deeper level of compassion and connection
💫 Why celebrating small moments and strengths creates a more empowering path forward

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This episode is a gentle reminder that while the journey may look different, it is still filled with meaning, growth, and moments of joy you may not have expected.

Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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​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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Simon and Rima for a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation about raising their son Jayden following his autism diagnosis.

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Jayden was one of my very first clients. I met him when he was just two years old, and from the very beginning, he taught me the power of connection, following a child’s interests, and truly meeting them where they are.

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Now 16, his impact reaches far beyond those early years.

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Simon and Rima open up about the reality so many parents face after a diagnosis… the emotions, the uncertainty, and the challenge of sharing that news with others. Because often, it is not just the diagnosis that is hard. It is everything that comes with it.

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This episode is a beautiful reminder that with the right support, faith, and guidance, the journey can shift in ways you never expected.

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We talk about:
💫 The emotions that come with receiving and sharing a diagnosis
💫 What support really looked like for their family
💫 How Jayden shaped their family’s perspective and strength
💫 The role faith and guidance played in their journey
💫 How his sisters, including his twin Renee, found motivation through him
💫 The beauty of connection and following a child’s lead

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A powerful reminder that while the journey may not look how you first imagined, it can be filled with strength, connection, and so much love.

Follow along with Simon and Rima!

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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Taylah Ayyash, a health advocate who shares her lived experience with anaphylaxis, epilepsy, Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and temporary paralysis.

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Taylah opens up about growing up with learning difficulties and silent seizures that went undiagnosed for years, often labelled as “easily distracted” or “off with the fairies”, when in reality there was something deeper going on.

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Her journey through sudden illness and life-changing moments reshaped her identity, teaching her the quiet strength found in vulnerability, honesty, and asking for help.

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We speak about how faith guided her through some of her most confronting moments, and the impact of having a medical team who saw her as a human, not just a case.

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In this episode, Taylah shares:
 * What it was like growing up with undiagnosed silent seizures
 * The impact of being misunderstood in school
 * Her experience navigating multiple health challenges
 * How faith grounded her in life-threatening moments
 * The importance of being seen as a person, not just a diagnosis
 * Why she chose to start sharing her story
 * The one word she is living by right now: patience

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A full circle moment, Taylah first came across my page and thought, “I would love to be interviewed one day”… and now she’s here, sharing her story to remind others they are not alone.

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A meaningful conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of using your story to help someone else feel seen.

​Learn more about Taylah Ayyash here!​
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Lots of love,

Rita

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode on what it really means to create a village when raising a child with additional needs.

We unpack the reality that so many parents face after a diagnosis. Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn for the right information and support. Because often, it is not just the diagnosis that is hard. It is the loneliness that can come with it.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you were never meant to do this alone. The right people, support, and shared experiences can completely shift the journey.

I talk about: 

💫 Why finding people with lived experience is so powerful 

💫 The emotional impact of feeling unheard or misunderstood 

💫 How a strong support network creates clarity and confidence 

💫 The difference between information and true understanding 

💫 Practical ways to start building your own village 

💫 Why connection can change the way you move forward

A reassuring reminder that there are people out there who understand. And when you find your village, everything starts to feel a little lighter.

Lots of love,

Rita

P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Jordan Lee Ikitule, founder and CEO of ASD Dads and Ausim Kids Clothing, for a powerful conversation about fatherhood, community, and advocacy in the autism space.

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Jordan shares the deeply personal journey that led him to create ASD Dads after his own son was diagnosed with autism. What began as a simple post online quickly grew into a nationwide movement supporting fathers, mothers, and whānau raising children with autism.

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We also explore the importance of community, the challenges many fathers face when navigating an autism diagnosis, and how shared stories can create powerful support networks for families who often feel alone.

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In this episode, Jordan shares:
* The moment his son was diagnosed and the challenges that followed
 * How a single post online led to the creation of ASD Dads NZ
 * The mission behind building a support network for fathers and families
 * The events and initiatives created to raise awareness and bring families together
 * How Run 4 Autism is helping fund speech therapy and support services
* The expansion of ASD Dads internationally, including Japan and Australia
 *The creation of Ausim Kids | Autism Apparel – Love, Accept, Protect, using clothing and QR code safety technology to raise awareness and help keep autistic children safe

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A powerful conversation about turning personal experience into purpose, and how one father’s journey is now helping thousands of families feel seen, supported, and connected.

Click the links below to learn follow Jordan's ventures!
-Ausim Kids Clothing​

-Express Yourself NZ​

-Jordan's Insta​

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Lots of love,

Rita

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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.

This episode of Wine with Wita is proudly sponsored by Mindd Health and the Mindd International Forum, Australia’s leading conference for families and professionals supporting children with developmental differences.

I’ll be part of the panel this year, sharing practical strategies to support communication and engagement in children.

Listeners can use code SHAMOUN26 for 15% off registration. Grab your spot today via ⁠⁠https://mif26.mindd.org/mif26-registration-community/⁠

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.