Wine with Wita

Hey everyone,
This week’s episode is inspired by something I use often in the therapy room… a simple reminder that communication is more than words.
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We so often focus on what children say… but not always on what they are showing us.
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In this episode, I unpack how much meaning is carried through tone, gestures, and facial expression, and how these can completely change the way a child understands and communicates.
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Because for many children, especially those with communication difficulties, words alone are not enough.
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I talk about:
💫 Why communication is about what we show, not just what we say
💫 How tone of voice can completely change meaning
💫 The power of pointing and gestures in building understanding
💫 How facial expressions help children interpret emotions and messages
💫 Simple, practical ways you can support your child’s communication every day
💫 Why these small shifts can create stronger connection and confidence
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This episode is a gentle reminder that communication is a shared experience. And sometimes, the smallest changes in how we show up can make the biggest difference.
Lots of love,
Rita
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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.
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​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.

Hey everyone,
This week, I am joined by Carol and Karen for a deeply powerful and perspective-shifting conversation about what it truly means to create a full life for individuals with disabilities.
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Carol shares her lived experience raising her daughter Maddie, who has Down syndrome, and the intentional decisions that shaped her independence, confidence, and outlook on life.
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From the very beginning, Carol made one thing clear… she would never focus on what Maddie couldn’t do, only what she could.
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Now 32, Maddie’s life is a reflection of that belief.
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Karen, CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, brings another layer to this conversation, sharing how meaningful employment, community, and opportunity can completely transform outcomes for individuals and families.

Together, this episode goes far beyond a diagnosis.
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It is about identity, independence, and what becomes possible when we raise expectations and truly support individuals to thrive.
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We talk about:
💫 The power of focusing on ability over disability
💫 How one belief helped Maddie learn she can do hard things
💫 The difference between having a job and having a life
💫 How Greenacres creates real opportunities, purpose, and community
💫 Why independence, even when it feels uncomfortable, matters so much
💫 The importance of raising expectations to create possibility
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A beautiful reminder that when we believe in what someone can do, and give them the right environment to grow… the outcomes can be far greater than we ever imagined.

Follow along with Greenacres Disability Services &
​IMAGINE Homewares & Hampers or visit their website here to learn more!
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Lots of love,
Rita
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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.

Hey everyone,
This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode on a phrase I hear so often in the therapy room… “This is not what I expected for my child.”
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We unpack the emotional weight behind this and the reality so many parents face after a diagnosis. The grief of unmet expectations, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments where everything feels overwhelming.
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Because often, it is not just the diagnosis that is hard. It is the shift in the future you once imagined.
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I talk about:
💫 The impact of expectations and how they can lead to disappointment
💫 The emotional reality parents experience after a diagnosis
💫 Why early support and understanding can change everything
💫 The importance of letting go of the child you expected and embracing the child in front of you
💫 How children with additional needs teach families a deeper level of compassion and connection
💫 Why celebrating small moments and strengths creates a more empowering path forward
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This episode is a gentle reminder that while the journey may look different, it is still filled with meaning, growth, and moments of joy you may not have expected.
Lots of love,
Rita
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P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.
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​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.

Hey everyone,
This week, I am joined by Simon and Rima for a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation about raising their son Jayden following his autism diagnosis.
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Jayden was one of my very first clients. I met him when he was just two years old, and from the very beginning, he taught me the power of connection, following a child’s interests, and truly meeting them where they are.
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Now 16, his impact reaches far beyond those early years.
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Simon and Rima open up about the reality so many parents face after a diagnosis… the emotions, the uncertainty, and the challenge of sharing that news with others. Because often, it is not just the diagnosis that is hard. It is everything that comes with it.
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This episode is a beautiful reminder that with the right support, faith, and guidance, the journey can shift in ways you never expected.
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We talk about:
💫 The emotions that come with receiving and sharing a diagnosis
💫 What support really looked like for their family
💫 How Jayden shaped their family’s perspective and strength
💫 The role faith and guidance played in their journey
💫 How his sisters, including his twin Renee, found motivation through him
💫 The beauty of connection and following a child’s lead
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A powerful reminder that while the journey may not look how you first imagined, it can be filled with strength, connection, and so much love.

Follow along with Simon and Rima!
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Lots of love,
Rita
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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.

Hey everyone,

This week, I am joined by Taylah Ayyash, a health advocate who shares her lived experience with anaphylaxis, epilepsy, Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and temporary paralysis.
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Taylah opens up about growing up with learning difficulties and silent seizures that went undiagnosed for years, often labelled as “easily distracted” or “off with the fairies”, when in reality there was something deeper going on.
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Her journey through sudden illness and life-changing moments reshaped her identity, teaching her the quiet strength found in vulnerability, honesty, and asking for help.
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We speak about how faith guided her through some of her most confronting moments, and the impact of having a medical team who saw her as a human, not just a case.
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In this episode, Taylah shares:
 * What it was like growing up with undiagnosed silent seizures
 * The impact of being misunderstood in school
 * Her experience navigating multiple health challenges
 * How faith grounded her in life-threatening moments
 * The importance of being seen as a person, not just a diagnosis
 * Why she chose to start sharing her story
 * The one word she is living by right now: patience
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A full circle moment, Taylah first came across my page and thought, “I would love to be interviewed one day”… and now she’s here, sharing her story to remind others they are not alone.
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A meaningful conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of using your story to help someone else feel seen.
​Learn more about Taylah Ayyash here!​
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Lots of love,
Rita
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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.