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Picky eating or something more? In this episode, we sit down with dietitian Maegan, who specialises in paediatric feeding, to unpack ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) — a condition many parents have never heard of, but one that's increasingly on clinicians' radar. Maegan shares her path into the field and talks us through what ARFID actually is, how it differs from ordinary fussy eating, and where it fits alongside more widely known eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. She explains how ARFID is diagnosed, the nutritional gaps that often show up in affected kids, and the practical, low-pressure strategies parents can use at home to gently widen a child's diet. We also explore how eating disorders can present in children more broadly, whether they're becoming more common or simply better recognised, and how dietitians work alongside speech pathologists and occupational therapists to support the sensory and oral-motor side of feeding. If you're a parent who's noticed something's not quite right at mealtimes but aren't sure where to turn, this conversation is a good place to start.   You can find out more at My Word Health Website: www.mywordhealth.com.au Socials: @mywordhealth

In today's episode, Maegan talks with Marion all about COSP, The Circle of Security Program    You can get in contact with us at My Word Health through Website: www.mywordhealth.com.au Socials: @mywordhealth

Ever wondered what naturopathic medicine actually is — and whether it could work for you? In this episode, we break down what a naturopath does, how their approach differs from conventional medicine, and the kinds of health concerns they can help you address, from digestive issues and hormonal imbalances to stress, sleep, and long-term wellness. Whether you're naturopath-curious or looking to take a more holistic approach to your health and your kids' health, this episode will give you the insight you need to make an informed decision about your wellbeing.   You can find out more at My Word Health Website: www.mywordhealth.com.au Socials: @mywordhealth

In this episode, we chat with Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Lainie Perini from My Word Health to shine a light on a role that plays a vital part in many children's therapy journeys, but one that isn't always well understood.   We start by finding out how Lainie ended up working in this space and what drew her to it, before unpacking exactly what an Allied Health Assistant does — and how the role differs from that of a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist. We explore the real benefits of having an AHA involved in a child's therapy team, and talk about when families might be offered AHA sessions as part of their care.   Lainie takes us through what a typical session looks like, from planning with the supervising therapist right through to post-session follow-up, and gives us an inside look at what that collaboration actually looks like behind the scenes. We also hear about her favourite part of the job, and what makes this role so rewarding.   Whether you're a parent, educator, or fellow allied health professional, this episode offers a great look into a role that supports so many children behind the scenes.   🎙️ Brought to you by My Word Health Find out more or get in touch: www.mywordhealth.com.au @mywordhealth

In this episode, we sit down with speech pathologist, Shae Wason from My Word Health, to explore the world of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) — what it is, how it's diagnosed, and what families can do to support their child's journey.   We chat about how Shae found her way into working with children with speech sound disorders, and dig into what actually sets CAS apart from articulation and phonological delays. We cover the real benefits of early identification, the signs parents and educators should watch for, and what a typical therapy session looks like from start to finish.   We also bust some common myths about CAS (no, kids don't just "grow out of it"), talk through why diagnosis can be tricky in very young children, and share practical ways parents can support progress at home. Plus, we get into some of the motor-based therapy approaches — like DTTC and ReST — that are commonly used to help kids build clearer, more confident speech.   Whether you're a parent, educator, or fellow clinician, this episode offers valuable insight into supporting children with CAS.   🎙️ Brought to you by My Word Health Find out more or get in touch: www.mywordhealth.com.au @mywordhealth

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Grace Stottelaar, Director and Chiropractor from Flourish, to unpack one of the most important — and often overlooked — foundations of child development: the nervous system.   From newborns through to early adolescence, a child’s nervous system plays a key role in how they sleep, feed, regulate emotions, learn, and engage with the world around them.   We break this down in a way that actually makes sense for parents — no jargon, just practical insights you can take away and use straight away.   In this episode, we cover: What the nervous system actually is (in simple terms) Why it’s so important in the early years Signs your child’s nervous system might be under stress How this can impact sleep, feeding, behaviour, and learning Simple, practical ways to support your child at home How chiropractic care can support regulation across all ages The changes you might notice when things start to improve   If you’ve ever wondered “Is this just a phase?” or “Should I be concerned?” — this episode will give you a really helpful lens to understand what’s going on underneath the surface.   🎧 Tune in now and learn how supporting the nervous system can make a real difference in your child’s day-to-day life.   Find Dr Grace Stottelaar @ Flourish: Website: https://flourishalbury.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishalburychiro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishalbury/   Find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/ Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

In this episode, we sit down to unpack the Key Worker model and what it actually means for families navigating support services. We chat about how our guest found their way into this line of work, what a "Key Worker" really does day-to-day, and the real benefits this model can offer families. We also dig into who tends to thrive with a Key Worker approach — and who might be better suited to a different kind of support — plus what you can realistically expect once you start working with one. And because every good chat needs a bit of fun, we finish off with a dream holiday destination question! Whether you're a parent exploring options for your child or a professional curious about this model of care, this episode is packed with practical insight. 🎧 Tune in now! 📍 Find us at My Word Health — https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/ For more resources and support, visit My Word Health. Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

What if the most powerful thing you could do for your child… was to work on yourself?   In this episode, I’m joined by Glenda O’Neill from Novo Counselling for a real and honest conversation about something so many mums experience — but don’t always talk about. Because motherhood has a way of bringing everything to the surface. We explore what it actually means to “do the work” as a mum — processing our own stress, anxiety, and past experiences — and how these can quietly shape the way we respond to our kids.   Glenda shares how our early experiences can show up in parenting, why our nervous system matters more than we think, and how becoming a more regulated (not perfect) version of ourselves can completely shift the emotional tone of our home.   This episode isn’t about blame or striving for perfection. It’s about awareness, growth, and learning how to navigate life in a way we can feel proud of — while modelling that for our kids along the way. We chat about: How past experiences show up in parenting What nervous system regulation actually looks like in real life Why “doing the work” is the greatest gift for your children The shift from reactive parenting to intentional parenting How to know when it might be time to seek support What counselling really looks like (and why it’s not as scary as you think)   If you’ve ever found yourself reacting in ways you didn’t expect, feeling overwhelmed, or just knowing there’s a better way to show up — this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Because your kids don’t need a perfect mum. They need a real one — who’s willing to grow.   You can find more about Glenda and what she offers at Glenda O'Neill - Coach & Therapist Website: www.oneillcoachingaus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenda_oneill_therapist_coach?igsh=d3YwZjBuYm1iNjFl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novocounsellingaus?mibextid=ZbWKwL   You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages. Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/ Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

Learning to read isn’t always straightforward for every child.   In this episode, Maegen sits down with Kate from Read3 Literacy to unpack what literacy really involves, why some children struggle to learn to read, and how parents can recognise the early signs of dyslexia and literacy challenges.   Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with dyslexia and explains how that experience led to the development of the Read3 literacy program — a structured, evidence-informed approach designed to support children who aren’t progressing with standard phonics instruction.   Together we explore: • What literacy actually involves beyond reading and writing • The “Big Five” skills that underpin reading development • Early warning signs of dyslexia and literacy difficulties • Why early intervention is so important • Whether a dyslexia diagnosis is necessary • Practical strategies parents can use to support reading at home • How the Read3 program helps children build confidence and fluency   If you’re a parent wondering whether your child’s reading struggles are typical or something more, this episode will help you understand what to look for and what steps you can take to support them.   Because literacy isn’t just about school — it opens the door to confidence, opportunity, and lifelong learning.   You can find out more about the Read3 program via their website, including access to their free checklist https://read3.com.au/   If you need help from a speech pathologist who is trained in Read3 you can reach out to us at My Word Health https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/   You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages. Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth/

Tummy time is one of the most talked-about parts of baby development — but many parents are left wondering if they’re doing it “right”.   In this episode, Maegen sits down with a kids physiotherapist, Jessee, to talk about why tummy time is so important, how it supports your baby’s development, and what parents should know about conditions like torticollis and flat spots.   We unpack common questions parents ask, including: • What tummy time actually is and why babies need it • How tummy time supports motor development • What torticollis is and how it affects babies • Why flat spots can develop on babies’ heads • Signs parents should look out for early • Simple ways to make tummy time easier (even if your baby hates it)   If you’re a new parent or expecting a baby, this episode will help you understand what’s normal, when to seek support, and how small daily activities can make a big difference to your baby’s development.   Because tummy time isn’t just another parenting task — it’s a key building block for rolling, crawling, and moving with confidence.   Connect with My Word Health 🌐 Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate and review the podcast so more families can access evidence-based support for their children.

When people hear the word physio, they often think about sports injuries or rehabilitation after an accident. But paediatric physiotherapy is so much more than that.   In this episode, Maegen sits down with kids physiotherapist, Jesse, to talk about the important role kids physios play in supporting children’s development, movement, and confidence.   We explore how paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the foundational skills needed for everyday activities like jumping, running, balancing, and playing with friends.   In this episode we discuss: • What a paediatric physiotherapist actually does • Signs your child might benefit from seeing a physio • Gross motor milestones like crawling, walking, jumping and hopping • Common concerns such as clumsiness, toe walking and poor endurance • What “low muscle tone” means and how it affects movement • What a typical physio assessment looks like • How physio supports children socially and emotionally — not just physically   Jesse also shares why trusting your instincts as a parent is so important when it comes to your child’s development. Sometimes all it takes is one appointment to provide reassurance, guidance, or a simple plan to help your child move with confidence.   Connect with My Word Health 🌐 Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate and review the podcast so more families can access evidence-based support for their children.

What if some of the behaviours we’re seeing in our kids aren’t “just a phase” — but information?   In this episode, Maegen chats with Jo from Additive Free Lifestyle about food additives and their potential impact on children’s behaviour, sleep, attention, and emotional regulation.   You’ll learn: • What food additives actually are • Why some children may be more sensitive • How to read labels quickly and confidently • Simple first steps families can take   This isn’t about fear or perfection — it’s about being informed, noticing patterns, and making realistic changes that support your child’s wellbeing.   If you’ve ever wondered whether food could be influencing your child more than you realised, this episode is for you.   You can find more about Jo and Additive Free Lifestyle here: Website: https://additivefreelifestyle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/additivefreelifestyle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/additivefreelifestyle/   You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages. Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/ Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

In this episode, we welcome Marion — a warm, resilient mum — as she shares her family’s deeply personal parenting journey. From the moment her son received his diagnosis to the day-to-day realities that followed, Marion opens up with honesty, courage, and grace.   We talk about the emotional highs and lows, the challenges of navigating complex systems, and the strength it takes to advocate for your child. Marion also shares the tools and perspectives that have helped lighten the load, and the advice she wishes she could give herself at the very beginning.   This is a story of love, growth, and showing up every day — even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone who wants to understand more, Marion’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and connected.   Stay tuned for wisdom, warmth, and real talk about parenting beyond the expected. 🌍✨

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Rebecca, a devoted mother, who opens up about her family’s journey following her son's diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Rebecca shares a glimpse into her family life and the moment she first learned about her son’s condition—along with the emotional rollercoaster that followed. She candidly discusses the challenges they’ve faced, including one of the most difficult moments and how she found the strength to navigate it.   From navigating the complexities of the healthcare and education systems to becoming her child’s fiercest advocate, Rebecca offers valuable insight into the realities many families quietly experience. She shares practical tools and strategies that have made daily life more manageable, and how her perspective on parenting has been transformed through this journey. With honesty and grace, Rebecca also reflects on the advice she wishes she could have given herself at the beginning, and offers meaningful ways listeners can support families like hers.   Tune in for a conversation full of courage, love, and the wisdom that comes from walking a path not chosen—but embraced.

In this episode of the My Word Speech Therapy Podcast, we're joined by our wonderful Key Worker, Laura, to chat all things school transitions—because starting primary school is a big step, not just for kids, but for parents too! Laura shares her practical insights on how to support your child as they move from preschool into the world of primary school. We cover: ✨ What parents need to know ahead of the transition ✨ What your child can expect in the first few weeks ✨ How to ask the right questions to find out how their school day really went Whether your child is starting school soon or you're planning ahead, this episode is packed with simple strategies and reassuring advice to help make the transition smoother for the whole family.