Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support

Hi everyone,

This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with Fatima Tomoum, a woman whose story crosses countries, careers, and incredible challenges.

Born in New York, raised in Brisbane, and now living in the UAE, Fatima built a stellar international career across Japan, China, France, the UK, India and beyond.

But behind the success, she faced a deeply personal battle: ten rounds of IVF before welcoming her boy-boy-girl triplets, born at just 26 weeks.

Fatima opens up about what it took to keep going, her strong faith, the importance of community, and the realities of raising three children who defied every prediction, while living far from home.

This episode is an honest look at the highs and lows of chasing dreams, building a life across borders, and surviving the hardest seasons with courage and heart.

What we talked about:

❤️‍🩹 The emotional cost of infertility and premature birth

❤️‍🩹 The hard realities of life in the NICU

❤️‍🩹 Starting again in a new country without a roadmap

❤️‍🩹 Why early intervention and advocacy change lives

This episode shows just how much strength it takes for families to keep moving forward, especially when the support they need isn’t always there.

Lots of love,

Rita

P.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast 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

Hi everyone,

When I first received Jenny’s email, I honestly felt like acelebrity.

She found Wine With Wita after watching my BizCover grant video and reached out with a simple message: “I’d love toshare my story.” What unfolded from there felt like a love story between two women passionate about supporting families navigating the world of disability.

Jenny is an Early Childhood Teacher with over 30 years of experience, a mother to three children (including twin sonswith level 3 autism), and the founder of two businesses dedicated to helping families thrive.

Her lived experience is matched only by her drive to makethe path easier for others.

What We Discussed:

💬 Jenny’s raw, honest account of denial, grief and acceptance following her sons’ diagnosis

📘 Why she wrote Embracing Disability in Early Childhood — a must-read for both parents and educators

🤝 The importance of partnership between families and professionals

💡 Practical advice for parents navigating NDIS, communication devices, and emotional overwhelm

🌱 How Jenny helps other families through her two businesses and the Autism Families Thriving community

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, allied health professional, or simply someone who cares — this episode is a gentleand deeply insightful reminder that acceptance doesn’t happen overnight… and no one should walk this road alone.

🎧 Listen now:

Resource links from this episode:

📘 Jenny’s book EmbracingDisability in Early Childhood — $ Availableon Amazon$ 

🌐 Jenny’s $ website &services$ 

📸 Follow Jenny on $ Instagram$ 

This conversation filled my heart. Jenny, thank you forbeing the fairy godmother so many families didn’t know they needed.

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

Hi everyone,

 What happens when you’re five years old, and your baby brother is diagnosed with autism?

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Emily Hanlon, a Clinical Psychologist, mum of three, and the proud big sister of Richard, who was diagnosed with autism as a baby.

Emily shares her powerful story of growing up as a sibling to someone with high support needs, from the guilt she carried for decades, to the deep love and responsibility she still feels today.

Her honesty is raw, her humour refreshing, and her message clear: we cannot support autistic children without supporting the village around them.

What we covered:

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 What it’s really like growing up with an autistic sibling

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 The emotional toll on families that no one sees

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Why siblings need just as much support as the child

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 How her family helped her brother build his own business

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every child with a diagnosis, there’s a family learning how to cope, support, and survive.

Emily’s honesty will resonate with any parent wondering how to balance their time, emotions, and energy between multiple children – especially when the support needs are different.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

 🍫 Emily’s brother’s chocolate business: Freckly Faces

 📘 Sibling support resource: Understanding & Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Children

📸 Follow Emily on Instagram at @theplayfulpsychologist

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. Y

You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Hi everyone,

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Lynda Tran – a proud mum of two boys, both diagnosed with autism, and a former catering business owner known for her love of good food and community.

Lynda shares the raw and emotional journey of steppingaway from her career to support her family, the financial and emotional challenges of navigating the NDIS system, and the ongoing stigma surrounding disability in culturally diverse communities.

Her story is filled with honesty, strength, and a deep desire to help other families feel less alone.

What we spoke about:

☀️ The emotional weight of receiving two autism diagnoses

☀️ Why Lynda chose to leave her business and focus on her children

☀️ The hidden costs of early intervention and advocating within the NDIS system

☀️ Breaking the silence around disability in culturally diverse communities

☀️ Finding joy in food, parenting, and the small moments that matter

☀️ Advice for parents and carers learning to put themselves first without guilt

☀️ How kindness and education can shape a more inclusive future

This episode is a beautiful reminder that being a careroften means putting others first – but it should never mean losing yourself.

Lynda’s courage to speak openly about her challenges andwins will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsure. Her voice offers hope, strength, and a reminder that no one should have to do thisalone.

Resource links from this episode:

📸 Follow Lynda on Instagram at @lynda.tee 

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

Hi everyone,

Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who’s walked the same path.

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sit down with Atilio Brito, a devoted father, finance professional, and founder of Dads Speak, a support network for fathers raising children with special needs.

Atilio opens up about the moment his son Alexis was diagnosed with Level 3 autism and ADHD, and how that news sent him into a dark space. Like so many fathers, Atilio felt pressure to hold everything together.

He didn’t speak up. He didn’t ask for help. And it took years before he could finally say he was coping. But through this pain came purpose.

What we covered:

💬 The moment Atilio received his son’s diagnosis and how it shifted everything

💬 Navigating grief and denial while trying to show up for his family

💬 How a random gaming connection led to the creation of Dads Speak

💬 The emotional toll of trying to hold it all together as a father

💬 Why support for dads is still lacking and how Dads Speak is changing that

💬 The power of community, connection, and starting with just one honest conversation

This episode is a must-listen for families, professionals, and anyone who believes dads deserve a place in the story too.

Atilio’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, connection and community can light the way forward. If you know a dad walking a similar path, share this episode, it might be the conversation he didn’t know he needed.

Resource links from this episode:

🔗 Follow Dads Speak on $ Instagram$ 

🔗 Listen to the $ Dads Speak Podcast $ 

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

Hi everyone,

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Jessica Labban – a devoted mum of two, passionate teacher, and one of the most determined and warm-hearted parents I’ve had the honour of working alongside.

Jessica shares her deeply personal journey navigating earlysigns of autism in her son Jacob, the trauma of his birth, and the emotional toll of seeking support when the system didn’t always make it easy.

She opens up about the moment a daycare refused to accepther child, the inner conflict of being in “teacher mode” rather than fully feeling like a mum, and the grief of letting go of the childhood she once imagined for him.

What we spoke about:

✨ Jacob’s early regression and the challenges of getting support

✨ The daycare rejection that changed Jessica’s perspective

✨ Why accepting the diagnosis was the hardest part

✨ The cost of therapy before NDIS and navigating the system

✨ Letting go of “teacher mode” to be fully present as a mum

✨ Her hopes for a more inclusive future for kids like Jacob

This conversation is filled with love, advocacy, and a powerful message to trust your gut and never accept "that's just how it is."

📸 Follow Jessica on Instagram at $ @jess_labban$ 

🧑‍🚒 How a Fire Station Visit Sparked Progress for Jacob

Jessica already shared on the blog how a simple visit to a fire station became a turning point in her son Jacob’s development.

It’s a powerful reminder of how the right environment can unlock confidence and growth for children with disabilities.

Read the story here: $ How a Fire Station Visit Sparked Progress for Jacob$ 

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

Hi everyone,

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I had the absolute honour of sitting down with Ruby Storm — Australian Paralympian, medal winner, and an all-around superstar.

Ruby has earned gold and silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. But what’s even more inspiring? She was once terrified of water.

From a shy toddler afraid to get into the pool… to walking out on the world stage with Australia on her back, Ruby’s story is one of resilience, strength and pure determination.

What we covered:

🏊‍♀️ Ruby’s journey from fear to the international stage

🧠 What it was like growing up with autism and how it impacted her schooling

🎯 The importance of focusing on strengths over limitations

🤝 Honest advice for parents of children with disabilities

💬 Why independence and support can go hand in hand

💡 How to empower kids to fall in love with activities like swimming — by finding joy, not pressure

📣 And her big message: “You're not defined by your disability, but by your ability.”

 Ruby’s humility, humour and strength shine through (even with the windy Queensland weather playing backup vocals 😅).

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or young person living with a disability — you’ll find so much inspiration in this one.

🎧 Tune in here:

Resource links from this episode:

📸 Follow Ruby onInstagram — @ruby.storm

🌐 Want to become a swimteacher? — swim.org.au/education

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

Hi everyone,

In this episode of Wine with Wita, we take a deeper dive into the story of Connor Bailey, the Swim Teacher of the Year for Learners with Disabilities, but from a new perspective—his mother, Linda. Behind every incredible success story, there’s often a pillar of strength, and for Connor, that’s his mum, Linda.

She’s been his unwavering support through his diagnosis, education, and career journey—advocating, adapting, and challenging the system to ensure he had the best opportunities to thrive.

What We Discussed:

✅ The power of unconditional support in navigating a child’s diagnosis

✅ The challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodiverse child

✅ Why perseverance and patience matter in both parenting and teaching

✅ How Connor’s journey led him to becoming an incredible swim teacher and advocate for inclusion in swimming

Linda’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and love—andit serves as a reminder that while the road may be tough, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

You can connect with Connor here @connor_bailey_lwd  and here @dlsa_tmba

🏊 Want to become a swim teacher?

Visit swim.org.au/education

💦 SplashSave – Helping every child access water safety education. Learnmore

🤝 SWIM It Forward – Donate to help disadvantaged families access swim lessons.

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

Hi everyone,

In this episode of Wine with Wita, I had the privilege of sitting down with Natalie Flintrop-Clarke, founder of Swim 4 All. As both a dedicated swim teacher and a mother of a neurodivergent child, Natalie has built a swim school that welcomes children of all abilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.

In this powerful episode, we discussed:

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:

✔️ How to create swim classes that support children with disabilities

✔️ The importance of working closely with parents to build confidence and safety

✔️ Why learning to swim is a non-negotiable life skill

✔️ Heartwarming success stories of students overcoming the odds

✔️ How Natalie’s world record solo kite-surfing journey helped expand inclusive swim programs

Natalie is a true asset to the industry, proving that with the right support, every child can thrive in the water.

🏊 Want to become a swim teacher? Visit swim.org.au/education

💦 SplashSave – Helping every child access water safety education. Learn more

🤝 SWIM It Forward – Donate to help disadvantaged families access swim lessons.

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

Hi everyone,

This week on Wine with Wita, I had the privilege of speaking with Rhiannon Kocmar, the National Educational Manager at SWIM Australia. With a 27-year career spanning teaching, coaching, and advocating for water safety, Rhiannon is at the forefront of initiatives supporting neurodivergent children in swimming. She is deeply passionate about water safety, drowning prevention, and creating inclusive environments for children of all abilities.

In this powerful episode, we discussed:

💦 The high drowning risk for autistic children and the need for water safety education.

💦 How sensory needs, wandering, and safety awareness impact water risk.

💦 Swim Australia’s efforts, including inclusive programs and a neurodiversity course.

💦 Barriers like cost, access, and sensory overwhelm preventing swim lessons.

💦 The Swim It Forward initiative, covering swim costs for families in need.

💦 Swimming as a life-saving skill every child should learn.

Swimming is more than just a sport—it’s a life-saving skill that every child deserves to learn. If you're a parent, educator, or swim teacher, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now to hear Rhiannon’s story and learn how we can create safer, more inclusive swim education.

🏊 Want to become a swim teacher? Visit ⁠swim.org.au/education

💦 SplashSave – Helping every child access water safety education. ⁠Learnmore  

🤝 SWIM It Forward – ⁠Donate to help disadvantaged families access swim lessons.

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