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.

Speech pathologists often encounter misconceptions like “therapy is only for lisps or stutters,” “it won’t help with reading or writing,” “AAC devices prevent verbal speech,” or “they’ll grow out of it - just wait and see.”

In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, Practice Director Lauren Haskins and Speech Pathologist Paige Horton debunk these common myths and explore the true scope of speech and language support. You’ll hear how Paige’s journey into the profession shapes her inclusive, family-centred approach and learn why speech pathology covers much more than clarity, addressing language, literacy, social communication, and feeding.

Discover how AAC tools actually expand a child’s ability to communicate, why early intervention is so important, and simple strategies like modelling and recasting to reinforce learning at home. If you’ve ever wondered when and why to seek support, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

It’s a question we hear at every BBQ: “Should my child see a speech pathologist?” In this episode of Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology podcast, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Clinical Lead and Speech Pathologist Holly Graham-Hayes to unpack exactly when and why you might reach out for support.

You’ll learn why trusting your parental instincts is often the best first step, and how adopting a “support and see” approach, rather than waiting to see if they 'grow out of it' can make all the difference. Holly and Lauren discuss the common signs that it’s time to connect with a speech pathologist, explain how family involvement in all settings fuels progress, and share practical tips for choosing a service that truly aligns with your family’s needs and values.

They also introduce two essential resources to guide your next move: Does My Child Need a Speech Pathologist? (Communication & Feeding Milestones) and How to Choose a Speech Pathology Service.

It’s been a while since we were behind the microphone, and while we’ve refreshed our format, our commitment to supporting families remains as strong as ever. In this first episode of the relaunched Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology podcast, Practice Director Lauren Haskins sits down with Clinical Director Emma Hyde to guide you through the very first steps of your speech pathology journey.Learn how we support families even before that first appointment through early assessment, hearing checks, and GP referrals, as well as how to navigate the choice between private and public services and make the most of funding options. Emma and Lauren also share practical home strategies like modelling and recasting to boost your child’s communication skills, plus introduce key resources: our Speech Pathology Funding Guide and How to Choose a Speech Pathology Service guide.Whether you’re preparing for your child’s initial consultation or looking for ways to get started with speech therapy right away, this episode sets the foundation for confident, effective support. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes!

Did you know that speech pathologists can help children develop social skills? Many of us may take for granted that innate understanding of how to interact with others appropriately. But for some children, understanding conversational cues, facial expressions and pragmatics does not come as naturally.

Jo Nelson, an experienced Speech Pathologist, shares her thoughts and tips on how we can help children forge connections with others and adapt social thinking.

Jo and Lauren also discuss how we can embrace a child’s strengths and interests to help them develop their understanding of the world and encourage them to interact with others without changing who they are.

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Have you ever considered alternative ways to support the unique needs of your family? Michelle Ebbin understands all too well the search for that ‘perfect solution’ when it comes to supporting children with special needs.

In this podcast episode, Michelle shares her journey as a mum of children with additional needs, including Jett who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age, and how she created a product that was, in-fact, ‘Jett-proof’.

Michelle is a big believer in finding the support you need to get through the day – no matter what your day may look like, and offers advice on how families can embrace their differences and create a village of people who understand and support your choices.

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