I Thought He Was Swearing At Me | A Speech Pathologist on Understanding Your Child

Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/free-training During a therapy session, a client looked up at Rita and said, “Rita, you’re an A.”

Her mind went straight to the swear word.

She kept playing. Then the dinosaurs clashed, he got frustrated, stood up and called her an F. Now she’s doing the clinician maths. Where did he learn this? Who said it to him? What else is in his vocabulary? How do I raise this with his mum?

In this solo episode Rita shares the moment that completely changed how she follows a child’s lead. Fifteen years in and her clients still teach her something new every week.

In this episode, we discuss: Why following a child’s lead means more than using their favourite toys

What happened when a client called Rita an A and an F

Why your interpretation of a child’s words is filtered through your world

Getting curious before you correct a behaviour

Why parents hold context clinicians don’t have

How a special interest became a vocabulary building tool

Using a child’s own language back to them

Why rapport isn’t the warm-up, it is the therapy

What 15 years as a speech pathologist keeps teaching her

Why there is no script in paediatric speech therapy

Connection as the mechanism behind child development and communication skills

What this story means for understanding your child at home

Connect with Rita: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithwitapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineWithWitapodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3aDACW150Al0aLr1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wine-with-wita-speech-pathology-parenting-support/id1743156009 Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/ Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connection-waitlist Wita’s Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e6753

Wine with Wita is Australia’s leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology.

New episodes every Friday.

Ad details: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE 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