Speak Up

In this week’s episode, Nikita Austin (Wanaruah Nation), SPA's First Nations Lead, speaks with Dr Grant Bruno (Samson Cree Nation) from the University of Alberta in Canada, and Dr Samarra Toby (Gangulu, Northern Cheyenne, Australian South Sea Islander, Darumbal, Iman Nations) a GP and founder of the Native Academy of Space, Science and Innovation. They discuss Indigenous ways of understanding and experiencing autism, and centring Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in practice and research.

You can hear more from Dr Toby at the SPA Conference in Yugambeh | Gold Coast, 25-27 June 2026.

Resources:
Bruno et al. (2025). Decolonizing autism research: Integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Autism, 29(11), 2637-2643. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251382398

Bruno et al. (2025). Global Indigenous perspectives on autism and autism research: Colonialism, cultural insights and ways forward. Autism, 29(2), 275-283.
https://doi.org/10.1177/136236132513183

SPA resources:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Responsive Capability Framework: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=884

Reframing and repositioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=847

Position statement: Autism: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=111

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

This week’s episode was recorded at the 2025 SPA conference in Adelaide or Tarntanya. This episode we speak with Professor Kirrie Ballard, and Dr Jacqui McKechnie about thinking flexibly when planning adaptable supports. Although this was recorded some time ago the conversation holds value for those who are considering how to adapt their services to a changing environment, like the introduction of Thriving Kids.

Resources: 
Knowledge to action model resources: https://thecenterforimplementation.com/toolbox/knowledge-to-action-model

https://hhscebi.ca/resources/knowledgetranslationframework/

Flexible models of service supports S6E24: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/flexible-models-of-service-supports-s6e24?si=72806b06e24441f4aad79e790ca803a3&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


SPA resources:

Member webinar: Thriving kids panel Wednesday 29 April 2026 11.30-1pm: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=26PEV24

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.

Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd 2026, we are rebroadcasting our earth day episode from last year, where we speak with Dr. Abby Foster, and Suzanne Mungall, speech pathologists, about Earth Day, coming up on April 22nd. Suzanne and Abby share their experiences about speech pathology and climate change, and why they feel the urgent need for health professionals to address the impacts of climate change on health and service delivery. Claire Esterman, from the Speak Up Podcast Reference Group opens the episode with a brief reflection highlighting the opportunities, personally and professionally, that Abby and Suzanne discuss.


Resources: 

Earth Day: https://www.earthday.org/

United Nations climate change information: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange

National Safety and Quality Health Standards voluntary environmental sustainability and climate resilience module:
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-resilience-healthcare-module

Helping people with Aphasia prepare for an emergency:
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2020-1118-aphasia-friendly-emergency/full/

UN Sustainable development goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Climate for change: https://www.climateforchange.org.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JDCadnChAqwfxbWIGwXnflty21bBF9DSDaLpYc1-XVHIzHRFpPusXgaAjotEALw_wcB

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]

Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.

Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode we speak with Dr Josephine Bampoe about the Ghanaian English assessment tool she created, and learnings that speech pathologists can apply to practice and research. She discusses multilingual assessment, converging evidence, principles of co-design, and global engagement that is ethical, multi-directional, and sustainable. Resources: Application of a framework for culturally and linguistically responsive speech and language assessments in multilingual contexts https://doi.org/10.1080/2050571X.2025.2553425 Conceptualisation of a culturally responsive speech and language assessment for Ghanaian-English speaking children. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2025.2532790 Speech-language pathologists’ perspectives on a prototype of the first Ghanaian-English speech and language assessment tool. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2025.2542459 Piloting a speech and language assessment tool for Ghanaian English-speaking children: A qualitative content analysis of video stimulated recall. https://doi.org/10.1159/000547150 Development of the first formal Ghanaian English-speech and language assessment tool for multilingual children: Application of a converging evidence approach. https://doi.org/10.1159/000550068 Culturally responsive speech pathology practice: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=109 Working in a culturally and linguistically diverse society (Member Only): https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=119 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). You will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio, or for further enquiries, email [email protected] Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, Dr Elizabeth Murray (SPA Thriving Kids Reference Group) speaks with Denise Imms (Thriving Kids Advisory Group) and Dr Erin West (SPA Manager Policy and Advocacy) about the forthcoming Thriving Kids program. They discuss what is known and what has not yet been announced about universal and targeted supports, misconceptions, and steps practitioners can take now to prepare for this program.
Resources:
PRECI National Best Practice Framework for ECI: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention?language=en
PRECI learning activities: https://events.humanitix.com/host/preci-australia?mc_cid=cbcb042b95&mc_eid=UNIQID
The Front Project webinar: https://www.thefrontproject.org.au/news-hub/417-webinar-recording-thriving-kids-what-it-is-how-it-might-work
SPA resources:
Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Foundational-Supports-and-Thriving-Kids.aspx?hkey=9563b44c-bca3-47c8-b996-d905b570e00f
Speech pathology in education learning program: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/About-speech-pathologists/Speech-pathology-in-Education.aspx
SPA Policy and Advocacy feedback form: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/Advocacy/Share-your-feedback.aspx?WebsiteKey=bf2f5d12-81e9-45de-b848-da380f72ca15
Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email [email protected]
Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.