When we think about communication, most of us immediately think of spoken words. But communication is so much more than verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a powerful role in helping children connect, express themselves, and participate in the world around them.

In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Speech Pathologist and Clinical Lead Jamie Cullen to unpack what AAC really is and why it’s not a “last resort,” but a practical, empowering tool for many children and families.

Jamie shares her journey into the world of AAC, how it’s shaped her speech pathology approach, and the ways AAC empowers children to advocate for themselves using the tools that best suit them. The conversation covers what AAC is, how speech pathologists support families to explore AAC through trial phases and parent training, and why using AAC alongside spoken communication can help children engage, connect, and participate more fully.

Lauren and Jamie also explore how AAC is used in different settings, how the right tools are matched to each child’s needs, and how the entire A Growing Understanding team integrates AAC into their everyday work with children and families.

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, this episode is full of insight into how AAC can open doors to communication and connection - for every child.

What’s the difference between a new graduate and an experienced speech pathologist, and what does that actually mean for families seeking support?In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins chats with Speech Pathologist Paige Horton about her journey as a new graduate and the support she received through the Graduate and Grow program when she first started out. They explore why structured supervision, ongoing training, and meaningful career development are essential, not only for the growth of early career clinicians, but also for the families they support.Lauren and Paige also discuss how speech pathologists at all stages of their careers bring unique strengths to their work, and how cross-sector experience and a collaborative team culture lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.Whether you’re considering speech pathology as a profession or simply want to understand more about the people supporting your child’s development, this episode offers real insight into what makes a supportive and high-quality clinical environment.

What does it really mean to create an inclusive speech pathology service?

In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins and Clinical Director Emma Hyde open up about what inclusive care looks like in action—and why it matters.You’ll hear how our team has worked alongside Pride in Health + Wellbeing to deepen our understanding, embed affirming practices, and become a Gold Tier service provider through the Equality Index.Lauren and Emma also share what it means to create safe spaces for all families, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, and how inclusion, advocacy, and respect are woven into everything we do.This is a conversation about Pride Month, about ongoing learning, and about why inclusive care makes for better outcomes for every child.