This week we’re talking speech sounds. We chat about what’s typical for two year olds up to six year olds, what might need support and simple strategies you can start today. We unpack articulators (lips, tongue, teeth, jaw), voiced vs voiceless pairs (s/z, f/v), and why coarticulation makes “water” sound like “warda.” You’ll get practical modelling tips, playful practice ideas (in the car, at the park, during books), and when to consider seeing a speech pathologist.
Links:
It’s our Halloween episode…but after the costumes and dad-jokes, we dive into something all parents ask us about: starting school.
If your little one is transitioning to Prep/Kindergarten, this chat is your gentle, practical guide. We cover independence (bags, lunchboxes, self-care), resilience (handling big feelings, problem-solving, asking for help), and why phonological awareness (rhyming, syllable claps, sound hunts) is the pre-literacy superpower.
You’ll get easy, everyday ways to model routines, use visual schedules and “think aloud”, plus books and free resources to make the transition feel familiar, not frightening.
Listen now, share with a friend, and check the show notes for our school-starter resource list.
In this episode
Independence before Day 1: bags, lunchboxes, toilets, buttons, shoes (velcro vs laces), and morning routines.
Resilience in real life: modelling “big feelings,” normalising nerves, and praising effort over outcome.
Problem-solving you can model today: “I wonder…” statements, collaborative choices, and turning routine changes into learning.
Phonological awareness made fun: rhyming games, syllable claps, I-Spy by sounds, sound sorts, scavenger hunts, and Lego.
Social stories, transition visits, and making the new feel known.
Links
In the final episode of our Neurodiversity series, we share simple, real-life ways to raise inclusive kids—at home, in kindy, and everywhere in between. From modelling language and emotions to “I wonder…” prompts, books, and AAC-friendly tips, this is your practical guide to turning curiosity into compassion.
This week, we answer a big parent/educator ask: How do I help children accept, include, and support neurodivergent peers—without making it awkward or performative?
We cover:
Modelling inclusion in everyday life (and thinking aloud as you do)
Teaching empathy: naming feelings in faces and bodies
Talking about differences & similarities (sensory needs, routines, play)
Normalising multiple communication modes (speech, AAC, sign, bodies)
Using “I wonder…” statements to invite—not force—social connection
Turning “disruptions” into teachable moments in the classroom
Simple ways kids can be a good friend (persistence, shared ideas, play alongside)
Book reading: starting with stories when you don’t know where to start
💡 Parent/educator takeaway: Inclusion is mostly modelling + language. Narrate what you notice, invite kids to wonder, and celebrate both differences and overlaps.
In Episode 2 of our Neurodiversity-Affirming Care series, we explore one of the most misunderstood parts of language development: Echolalia and Gestalt Language Processing (GLP).
You’ll learn:
What Echolalia really is — and why it’s more than just repeating
How some children learn language in chunks (gestalts) rather than word by word
Why scripted language from TV shows, books, or songs can be meaningful communication
The stages of Gestalt Language Processing
Practical strategies to support Gestalt Language Processors at home and in the classroom
Why phrases like “say thank you” might not help — and what to do instead
Whether you're a parent, educator, or support worker, this episode offers real-world insights and affirming practices to connect with kids who communicate differently.
Content warning: Episode includes discussion of mental health, anxiety and mention of self-harm.
In this powerful and emotional episode of Talking Together, Hermione and George dive deep into neurodiversity-affirming practise, a significant shift happening not only in speech pathology, but wider healthcare, education and our community.
They cover:
With powerful personal stories, honest reflection, and up-to-date research, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting neurodivergent children.
Plus: A crash course on terms like “neurokin”, “ADHDer”, “identity-first language”, and the “double empathy problem”.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or just someone trying to understand — this is the episode that will change how you see neurodiversity forever.
References and Links:
1. Crompton CJ, Ropar D, Evans-Williams CV, Flynn EG, Fletcher-Watson S. Autistic peer-to-peer information transfer is highly effective. Autism. 2020 Oct;24(7):1704-1712. doi: 10.1177/1362361320919286. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32431157; PMCID: PMC7545656.
2. Crompton, C.J., Foster, S.J., Wilks, C.E.H. et al. Information transfer within and between autistic and non-autistic people. Nat Hum Behav 9, 1488–1500 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02163-z
3. Diagnosis of common health conditions among autistic adults in the UK: evidence from a matched cohort studyO'Nions, Elizabeth et al.The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 41, 100907. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(24)00073-5/fulltext
4. Chazin KT, Ledford JR, Wilson-Moses JM, Rajaraman A, Juárez AP. Centering Autistic Perspectives: Social Acceptability of Goals, Learning Contexts, and Procedures for Young Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Mar;55(3):812-831. doi: 10.1007/s10803-024-06242-4. Epub 2024 Feb 17. PMID: 38367102.
In this episode of Talking Together, we dive into the power of growth mindset and why it’s the secret to helping kids (and adults) tackle challenges with confidence.
Discover the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and how a simple word like “yet” can completely transform a child’s mindset.
In this conversation, we cover:
• What a growth mindset really means
• The link between growth mindset, resilience, and neuroplasticity
• How to shift kids from fearing failure to embracing challenges
• Practical ways to encourage effort over outcome
• How this approach supports children with speech and language difficulties
If you’ve ever heard a child say “I can’t do it”, this episode will show you how to turn that into “I can’t do it…YET.”
From bilingualism “causing delays” to whether AAC stops kids from talking, in this episode, we’re busting the biggest myths in speech pathology.
We reveal surprising statistics about early intervention, school readiness, and what really matters when it comes to speech intelligibility. If you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about child development, this chat will change the way you think about these speech and language topics.
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest Australian Early Developmental Census data. With only 52.9% of children developmentally on track by prep, we explore what’s going wrong in early childhood education, the pressure on kindy educators, and why so many kids are entering school unprepared.
We also share real-world stories from speech therapy sessions, discuss brain development before age 5, and reveal how overwhelmed educators are doing their best in survival mode. Plus, we introduce practical solutions and resources to help kids thrive before they hit the classroom.
Australian Early Developmental Census: https://www.aedc.gov.au/data-hub/public-data/2024-aedc-results
In this episode, we dive into what questions to ask your child that matches their language skills and supports their language development.
Discover easy and practical strategies used by speech pathologists to encourage engagement, build understanding and develop a child’s communication. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, these tips can transform the way you connect with your child in book reading and play.
In this episode of Talking Together, we welcome a very special guest - George’s mum and experienced teacher, Jo! With over 30 years of teaching experience, Jo shares her passion for reading and reveals why it’s the single most powerful thing parents can do to set their kids up for success in school and life.
From boosting vocabulary and comprehension to developing empathy and emotional intelligence, Jo explains how even 15 minutes of reading a day can transform a child’s brain and future. Plus, we discuss:
• The 30-million-word gap and why it matters
• How shared reading builds lifelong social and critical thinking skills
• The surprising connection between book reading and empathy
• How to spark kids’ love for reading without forcing it
• Why screen time is stealing more than just attention spans
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply want to understand how to help kids thrive, this episode is packed with practical advice and classroom insights.
*Note: Unfortunately we had a technical error with Hermione's camera towards the end of the episode.
Ever struggled to get your child to leave the park, pack up a toy, or adjust to a new routine without big emotions or meltdowns?
In this episode of Talking Together, we unpack why transitions can be tough for kids and share strategies to make them easier.
Learn how to:
• Avoid common mistakes (bribes, countdown pressure, and more)
• Use visuals, songs, and sensory input to prepare for change
• Co-regulate during big feelings
• Create safe, predictable routines while still teaching flexibility
Whether it’s moving between activities, leaving daycare, or starting school, these practical tools will help you and your child feel regulated and more connected through every transition.
Experiencing challenges with transitions, routines, or supporting big emotions at home or in kindy?
In this episode of Talking Together, we dive into why visuals are a game-changer for kids’ understanding, behaviour, and communication.
👀 You’ll learn:
• The different types of visuals (cards, real-life photos, AAC, social stories, schedules)
• Why visuals don’t hinder speech and language—they boost it
• How to create fun, personalised visual schedules and social stories
• Practical ways to use visuals for independence, choice, and emotional regulation
🧩 Whether you’re a parent or educator, this episode will show you how to use visuals to prepare, support, and empower your child every day.
In this episode of Talking Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on speech assessments. From pre-assessment prep, what actually happens during the session and to what comes after, we guide you through every step of the process.
Whether your child is in daycare or gearing up for school, this chat will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to support your child through their first assessment.
Want to help your toddler increase their communication without buying new toys?
In this episode of Talking Together, we share practical, evidence-based strategies for parents and educators to boost language skills during everyday routines.
Perfect for ages 2 to 4 years, you’ll learn:
• How to model language (and why it works better than asking questions)
• The first 50 words and what “counts” as a word
• Simple bath time, sheet games, and kitchen activities for building vocabulary
• The secret to word combinations and why verbs are EVERYTHING
• Fun verbal routines and songs that make language learning effortless
No flashcards. Just fun, connection, and natural language development.
Welcome to the first-ever episode of Talking Together !
Meet your hosts, Hermione and George - two paediatric speech pathologists on a mission to educate and empower parents and childcare educators.
In this episode you'll hear about:
• Our journey to becoming speechies
• How we discovered our passion for helping kids communicate
• The difference between speech and language (and why most people mix them up)
• What you can expect from future episodes
Got a question or topic you’d love covered? Submit it via Instagram (@houseofspeech_).
From our couch to yours, let’s bridge the gap in child communication support.