Wine with Wita

Hey everyone,
This week, I share a heartfelt solo episode for parents who have ever quietly wondered if they have failed their child.
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We unpack the heavy weight of parental guilt, especially after a diagnosis or when health concerns evolve. Sometimes it is not about failure at all. It is about not having the right information at the right time. And when we know better, we can do better.
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This episode is a gentle reminder to release self-blame, lean into compassion, and recognise that learning and adjusting is part of the journey.
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I talk about:
The emotional weight of saying “I feel like I’ve failed”
 Why not knowing is not the same as failing
Airway health, early intervention and trusting your instincts
Trial and error in therapy and finding the right fit
 The pressure parents carry after a diagnosis
 Giving yourself grace while advocating for your child
Why this journey is not a straight line
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A reassuring reminder that you have not failed your child. You are learning, advocating, adjusting and showing up. And that is what truly makes the 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 Julie Sampson, founder of Freedom Fitness, for a grounded and heartfelt conversation about movement, motherhood, and what real wellbeing looks like for women.
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Jules shares her journey as a business owner, community builder, and mother, including how her son’s autism diagnosis shaped her values, her leadership, and the way she supports women through movement, compassion, and belonging.
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We explore the Freedom Effect, the power of connection and community, and why fitness for women needs to feel safe, supportive, and human, especially through perimenopause, menopause, and busy seasons of life.
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In this episode, Jules shares:
What the Freedom Effect really means and how it supports women holistically
Why movement should feel empowering, not punishing
Creating community and belonging beyond the gym walls
Creating community and belonging beyond the gym walls
Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause with compassion
Navigating motherhood alongside business and advocacy
Raising a neurodivergent child and the importance of village support
Why self-kindness and prevention matter for long-term wellbeing
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A warm and inspiring conversation that reminds us that strength is not just physical. When women feel seen, supported, and connected, real change becomes possible.

Learn more about Jules 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.

Hey everyone,
This week, I share a reflective solo episode for parents navigating their child’s intervention journey and quietly wondering if progress is really happening.
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We explore the nothing, something, everything analogy and what communication truly looks like in the early stages, from gestures and sounds to words, devices and pictures. Those small moments are the foundation for real growth.
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This episode is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and recognise the milestones along the way, for your child and for you as a parent too.
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I talk about:
-  What communication really looks like in the early stages
 - Why “nothing” does not mean nothing at all
 - How small changes signal meaningful progress
 - Celebrating milestones, not just outcomes
 - The emotional toll of intervention and self-doubt
 - Using reflection and data to see growth over time
 - Staying motivated through the ups, downs and setbacksA gentle and reassuring reminder that progress is happening, even when it feels slow. When we look back and honour the journey, nothing becomes something, and something becomes everything.
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 sit down with ⁠Tash Delrosario⁠, a mum of two girls on the autism spectrum and a powerful voice for autism acceptance.

Tash shares her family’s journey with honesty, from navigating diagnosis and the loneliness that can follow, to the everyday ways connection and communication are built at home.

This is a conversation about autism, advocacy and letting go of expectations, but also about finding strength in the ordinary moments and caring for yourself so you can show up for your children.

We talk about:

💫 Navigating an autism diagnosis
💫 The isolation many parents feel
💫 Building communication through everyday connection
💫 Advocacy, judgement, and trusting your instincts as a parent
💫 Why self care matters for caregiversThis episode is for parents and carers who want to feel seen, understood and reminded that they are not alone.

Follow Tash's journey ⁠here!⁠

Lots of love,
Rita

P.S.: follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips, insights and updates.

This episode of Wine with Wita is proudly sponsored by Mindd Health and the Mindd International Forum, Australia’s leading conference for families and professionals supporting children with developmental differences.
I’ll be part of the panel this year, sharing practical strategies to support communication and engagement in children.
Listeners can use code SHAMOUN26 for 15% off registration. Grab your spot today via ⁠https://mif26.mindd.org/mif26-registration-community/⁠

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 sit down for a reflective solo episode inspired by a simple walk with my daughter and a powerful reminder that parenting, while it can feel like a mission, is never impossible.
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I share how a conversation with my middle daughter sparked a deeper reflection on the many transitions of parenthood. From life before children, to motherhood and then navigating the unpredictable journey of parenting a child with additional needs. The routines, the communication challenges and the constant change can often feel overwhelming.
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This episode brings me back to the heart of why Wine with Wita exists. When parents are equipped with the right information, the right services and a supportive circle, what once felt impossible becomes possible. Knowledge empowers parents to advocate confidently and make informed decisions for their child.
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I talk about:
💫 Parenting as a mission and why it is never impossible
💫 The transitions of motherhood and the challenges they bring
💫 Navigating unpredictability and communication difficulties
💫 The importance of surrounding yourself with the right support circle
💫 Trusting your instincts as a parent, even when concerns are dismissed
💫 Accessing the right services and evidence based information
💫 How knowledge empowers parents to become strong advocates for their children
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A grounding and hopeful reminder that while the journey may feel challenging, with the right support and guidance, it is always possible.

Lots 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. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.