Fatima Tomoum: Infertility, triplets at 26 weeks, and building a new life
Hi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sat down with Fatima Tomoum, a woman whose story crosses countries, careers, and incredible challenges. Born in New York, raised in Brisbane, and now living in the UAE, Fatima built a stellar international career across Japan, China, France, the UK, India and beyond. But behind the success, she faced a deeply personal battle: ten rounds of IVF before welcoming her boy-boy-girl triplets, born at just 26 weeks. Fatima opens up about what it took to keep going, her strong faith, the importance of community, and the realities of raising three children who defied every prediction, while living far from home. This episode is an honest look at the highs and lows of chasing dreams, building a life across borders, and surviving the hardest seasons with courage and heart.What we talked about: ❤️🩹 The emotional cost of infertility and premature birth ❤️🩹 The hard realities of life in the NICU ❤️🩹 Starting again in a new country without a roadmap ❤️🩹 Why early intervention and advocacy change livesThis episode shows just how much strength it takes for families to keep moving forward, especially when the support they need isn’t always there.📸 Follow Fatima on $ Instagram$ .Lots of love, RitaP.S. Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast 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
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49:58
The Fairy Godmother of Disability Advocacy ✨ - Jenny Nechvatal
Hi everyone, When I first received Jenny’s email, I honestly felt like acelebrity. She found Wine With Wita after watching my BizCover grant video and reached out with a simple message: “I’d love toshare my story.” What unfolded from there felt like a love story between two women passionate about supporting families navigating the world of disability. Jenny is an Early Childhood Teacher with over 30 years of experience, a mother to three children (including twin sonswith level 3 autism), and the founder of two businesses dedicated to helping families thrive. Her lived experience is matched only by her drive to makethe path easier for others. What We Discussed:💬 Jenny’s raw, honest account of denial, grief and acceptance following her sons’ diagnosis 📘 Why she wrote Embracing Disability in Early Childhood — a must-read for both parents and educators 🤝 The importance of partnership between families and professionals 💡 Practical advice for parents navigating NDIS, communication devices, and emotional overwhelm 🌱 How Jenny helps other families through her two businesses and the Autism Families Thriving community Whether you’re a parent, teacher, allied health professional, or simply someone who cares — this episode is a gentleand deeply insightful reminder that acceptance doesn’t happen overnight… and no one should walk this road alone.🎧 Listen now: Resource links from this episode: 📘 Jenny’s book EmbracingDisability in Early Childhood — $ Availableon Amazon$ 🌐 Jenny’s $ website &services$ 📸 Follow Jenny on $ Instagram$ This conversation filled my heart. Jenny, thank you forbeing the fairy godmother so many families didn’t know they needed.Lots of love, RitaP.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
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52:27
More Than a Sister: Emily Hanlon on Guilt, Growth and the Power of Advocacy
Hi everyone, What happens when you’re five years old, and your baby brother is diagnosed with autism? In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Emily Hanlon, a Clinical Psychologist, mum of three, and the proud big sister of Richard, who was diagnosed with autism as a baby.Emily shares her powerful story of growing up as a sibling to someone with high support needs, from the guilt she carried for decades, to the deep love and responsibility she still feels today.Her honesty is raw, her humour refreshing, and her message clear: we cannot support autistic children without supporting the village around them. What we covered:🧑🧑🧒🧒 What it’s really like growing up with an autistic sibling 🧑🧑🧒🧒 The emotional toll on families that no one sees 🧑🧑🧒🧒 Why siblings need just as much support as the child 🧑🧑🧒🧒 How her family helped her brother build his own businessThis episode is a powerful reminder that behind every child with a diagnosis, there’s a family learning how to cope, support, and survive.Emily’s honesty will resonate with any parent wondering how to balance their time, emotions, and energy between multiple children – especially when the support needs are different.Resources mentioned in this episode: 🍫 Emily’s brother’s chocolate business: Freckly Faces 📘 Sibling support resource: Understanding & Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Children📸 Follow Emily on Instagram at @theplayfulpsychologistLots of love, Rita 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. YYou must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.
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48:55
The strength to speak up: Lynda’s story
Hi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sat down with Lynda Tran – a proud mum of two boys, both diagnosed with autism, and a former catering business owner known for her love of good food and community. Lynda shares the raw and emotional journey of steppingaway from her career to support her family, the financial and emotional challenges of navigating the NDIS system, and the ongoing stigma surrounding disability in culturally diverse communities. Her story is filled with honesty, strength, and a deep desire to help other families feel less alone.What we spoke about:☀️ The emotional weight of receiving two autism diagnoses ☀️ Why Lynda chose to leave her business and focus on her children ☀️ The hidden costs of early intervention and advocating within the NDIS system ☀️ Breaking the silence around disability in culturally diverse communities ☀️ Finding joy in food, parenting, and the small moments that matter ☀️ Advice for parents and carers learning to put themselves first without guilt ☀️ How kindness and education can shape a more inclusive futureThis episode is a beautiful reminder that being a careroften means putting others first – but it should never mean losing yourself. Lynda’s courage to speak openly about her challenges andwins will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsure. Her voice offers hope, strength, and a reminder that no one should have to do thisalone.Resource links from this episode: 📸 Follow Lynda on Instagram at @lynda.tee Lots of love, RitaP.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
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44:52
Turning Challenge into Change: A Father’s Support Mission
Hi everyone, Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from someone who’s walked the same path.In this episode of Wine with Wita, I sit down with Atilio Brito, a devoted father, finance professional, and founder of Dads Speak, a support network for fathers raising children with special needs. Atilio opens up about the moment his son Alexis was diagnosed with Level 3 autism and ADHD, and how that news sent him into a dark space. Like so many fathers, Atilio felt pressure to hold everything together. He didn’t speak up. He didn’t ask for help. And it took years before he could finally say he was coping. But through this pain came purpose.What we covered: 💬 The moment Atilio received his son’s diagnosis and how it shifted everything 💬 Navigating grief and denial while trying to show up for his family 💬 How a random gaming connection led to the creation of Dads Speak 💬 The emotional toll of trying to hold it all together as a father 💬 Why support for dads is still lacking and how Dads Speak is changing that 💬 The power of community, connection, and starting with just one honest conversationThis episode is a must-listen for families, professionals, and anyone who believes dads deserve a place in the story too.Atilio’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, connection and community can light the way forward. If you know a dad walking a similar path, share this episode, it might be the conversation he didn’t know he needed.Resource links from this episode: 🔗 Follow Dads Speak on $ Instagram$ 🔗 Listen to the $ Dads Speak Podcast $ Lots of love, RitaP.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
The number one podcast in Australia for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties and/or disabilities.
Hosted by Rita Shamoun, founder of RS Speech Pathology, Wine with Wita is a trusted space for families and health professionals to come together. Each episode features interviews with leading experts and real families, offering reliable guidance, insights, and evidence-based strategies.
With warmth, expertise, and heart, Rita creates a supportive environment where parents feel seen, empowered, and less alone.
So SIP back, relax, and enjoy the show!
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