This week’s episode is a panel from the SPA 2025 Conference about bias within the profession. Dr Vishnu Nair, Professor Betty Yu and Associate Professor Sarah Verdon discuss the history of our field’s alignment with medical approaches, and the subsequent bias particularly in relation to race, disability, and the intersection of disparities, with a particular focus on neurodiversity. This conversation aligns with the launch of a new SPA resource, the Culturally responsive speech pathology, position statement, which Dr Marie Atherton introduces at the start of the episode.

Resources:  
Culturally responsive speech pathology position statement: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097
S03E17 Culturally responsive practice: https://on.soundcloud.com/rQr4eEWei9zG2CDPL1
SBS inclusion bundle: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1230743
Working with children and families from diverse backgrounds: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1027772

Culturally responsive speech pathology S7E27

This podcast is the first of two podcasts looking at the experiences of disabled speech and languages.

We open in this episode with an interview with Mélanie Gréaux, author of a report  published early April,  ‘SLTs on the tight rope: Learning from the experiences of disabled SLTs in the workplace’. The report explores the experiences of disabled SLTs and what we can do to promote disability inclusion in the profession.

We cover:

What was the research question you wanted to ask? 
Why is this of interest to you?
What do we mean by disability and who are we talking about?
What did you find? 

Interviewees:

 Mélanie Gréaux, Consultant on disability, World Health Organisation

Resources:

https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SLTs-on-the-tightrope-Learning-from-disabled-SLTs.pdf



Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

Learning from the experiences of disabled SLTs (part 1 of 2)

In this week’s episode we speak with Dr David Lacey, CEO of IDCARE about cybersecurity for practices offering speech pathology and other allied health services. We discuss how threat actors gain access to data, how to manage data breaches, and steps that workplaces can take to prevent them.

Resources:  
IDCARE – Services for small businesses: https://www.idcare.org/smallbusiness

OAIC – Notifiable data breaches: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches

OAIC – Health service providers: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-guidance-for-organisations-and-government-agencies/health-service-providers 

SPA resources:
S7E28.5 Cybersecurity for speech pathology practices (Members only): https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1451869 
NB. In this special Members Only episode, we speak with a speech pathologist about her experience with a data breach and with Dr David Lacey, CEO of IDCARE about preventing and managing these. To respect the speech pathologist’s privacy, this is a SPA Member Only resource. Do not share this recording or information with others.

Private practice privacy guide (Members only): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=555

Cloud based storage and privacy (Member only): https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=447

Data breach and privacy (Member only): https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=449

Mental health and wellbeing support for members (Members only): https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Member-benefits/mental-health-wellbeing-support.aspx?hkey=41da9687-1b53-4de0-baa6-4641080d0667

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Cybersecurity for speech pathology practices S7E28

From time to time Speak Up will rebroadcast previous episodes and invite speech pathologists to offer their reflections on the episode. This week Rebecca O’Neill (she/her), a Conference Support Fund Awardee reflects on her learning from Rebecca Reinking (she/her), both in this episode and at her conference presentation.
Rebecca Reinking is a paediatric Speech Pathologist from ATUNE Health Centres and “Adventures in Speech Pathology”. Rebecca shares her clinical expertise when working with the minimal pairs approach.

Resources:  
Adventures in Speech Pathology’s YouTube Minimal Pairs approach playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt2XislMkMk&list=PLAuvNJDSFeFSLq9CZxDwKTSPtAuwSQ6BO
Adventure’s in Speech Pathology Online PD "Mastering minimal pairs": https://bit.ly/MMP_AISPCourse


SPA resources:
Minimal Pairs Approach: Step up your therapy game today! Clinical Bite with Rebecca Reinking: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3384

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Rebroadcast: Using minimal pairs S7E29

In our update this month:
 
For Wales:

Preparing for the Senedd elections in 2026: https://www.rcslt.org/wales/#section-2 
Work has begun on a Welsh language version of CAUK training, funded by the National Lottery. (See original CAUK training: https://communication-access.co.uk/) 
What’s happened following the launch of the State of the Nation report (See here: https://www.rcslt.org/wales/#section-2 ) in January.
Opportunities to get involved:

Frailty task and finish group.
Capturing evidence on the impact of Additional Learning Needs legislation for a Senedd committee inquiry.
New survey for independent members.
Around the UK:

Behind the scenes on SEND reform and workforce matters.
News about waiting list levels (people coming off) and graduate guarantee for nurses and midwives – AHP concern.
Co-signed a letter to PM on oracy, Oracy 21.
BSL plan for English education; Guernsey communication boards
Book your place at the RCSLT Conference 2025: https://www.rcslt.org/news/book-your-place-at-rcslt-conference-2025/ 
 

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and produced and edited by freelance producer Jacques Strauss.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.
 
Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

RCSLT news August 2025

RCSLT August News: spotlight on Wales inc 2026 elections, Welsh version of CAUK and more

In this Speech Pathology Week episode, Dr Debbie Pu from Monash University discusses how we can have “Impact through communication” about dysphagia awareness. She discusses what different stakeholders understand about swallowing difficulties, how public awareness can support people living with dysphagia to enjoy safe meals, and how speech pathologists can communicate with impact about this issue. 

Resources:  
Pu et al., (2025). Awareness of dysphagia: An integrative review: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/full/10.1044/2025_PERSP-24-00293
Molfener et al., (2025). Assessing public awareness and understanding of dysphagia: A representative survey of US adults: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00455-025-10826-2
Packer et al., (2025). “I like to accommodate as much as possible”: A survey of food service professionals’ awareness of dysphagia and experiences in dietary modifications: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17549507.2025.2544738

SPA resources:
Speech Pathology Week 2025; Impact through communication: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Speech-Pathology-Week.aspx
Swallowing Awareness Day resources: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Swallowing-Awareness-Day.aspx
Swallowing difficulty: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/Comm-swallow/Swallowing.aspx
Modified foods and fluids terminology: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Modified-foods-and-fluids-terminology.aspx
Speak Up podcast S6E25 A behind the scenes look at Maggie Beer’s Big Mission: https://on.soundcloud.com/LGBBFOJQrlWvl5ECTn
Speak Up podcast S7E6 Rethinking thickened liquids: https://on.soundcloud.com/KAOCtNrx4yM575DDFF

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Impact through communication about dysphagia S7E30

In this week’s episode, we speak with Associate Professor Anna Miles and Adjunct Associate Professor Jan Baker about functional dysphagia. Jan and Anna talk about the research from FND that they have drawn on to create a biopsychosocial framework for supporting people with functional dysphagia. 

Resources:   
Read Anna and Jan’s article here: 
Miles, A., Baker, J., Barker-Collo, S., & Leadley, S. (2025). Functional dysphagia: Developing a framework for assessment and treatment. International journal of speech-language pathology, 1–16. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2025.2473071 

 For a full list of the references please go to the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create a free account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au 

SPA resources: 
SPA Dysphagia practice guideline: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=125 

SPA Mental health and trauma resources: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/About-speech-pathologists/Mental-health-trauma.aspx 

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.  

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au 

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. 

Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Functional Dysphagia S7E31

In this week’s episode, Asta Fung discusses her soon to be completed PhD research about applying our skills to breathing interventions to offer relief to people experiencing chronic pain. Asta discusses how she became interested in breathing interventions and recognised the skills speech pathologists can bring to this area of emerging speech pathology practices. 

Resources:  
Fung, Asta and Duncanson, Kerith and Mittinty, Manasi Murthy and Vertigan, Anne E. and Snodgrass, Suzanne J., Exploring Patients’ Perceptions and Experiences of a Telehealth-Based Group Breathing Intervention For Chronic Pain: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5102062 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5102062

Slowly breathe the nerves away, by Asta Fung https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/partyline/article/slowly-breathe-nerves-away.html
Breath by James Nestor https://www.penguin.com.au/books/breath-9780241289129
The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown https://oxygenadvantage.com/oxygen-advantage-book/
Dr Andrew Huberman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0OBgihk2f8&t=117s
Breathing Pattern Disorder: https://ilovcdtoolkit.org/breathing-pattern-disorder/
Dysfunctional Breathing: https://toolkit.severeasthma.org.au/co-morbidities/pulmonary-upper-airways/dysfunctional-breathing/
Chronic Pain Australia: https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/
Pain Australia: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/
Agency of Clinical Innovation, Pain Management Network:https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.


Chronic pain and speech pathology: what’s our role? S7E32

In this week’s episode, Cyndal Nelson (they/them) of the Queer Speech Collective speaks with Lauren Haskins (she/her) about her practice’s efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals through the Pride in Health and Wellbeing program. Lauren then speaks with Tyler Chapman (he/him) about his perspectives on allyship as a final year student and member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Resources:  
•	Pride in Health and Wellbeing: https://prideinhealth.com.au/
•	Queer Speech Collective – Sign up https://forms.gle/VGREsDhUVnbTprp27 or contact queerspeechcollective@gmail.com
•	A Growing Understanding – HWEI Gold Tier status: https://www.agrowingunderstanding.com.au/gold-tier-speech-pathology-service-what-it-means-for-your-family/
•	Minus 18 - Information on pronouns: https://www.minus18.org.au/pronouns/
•	Trans Hub - Information to support trans allyship: https://www.transhub.org.au/basics-101/

SPA resources:
•	Position statement: Culturally responsive speech pathology practice: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097
•	Speak Up podcast - Supporting LGBTIQ+ individuals in Aged Care S7E21: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/s7e21-supporting-lgbtiq-individuals-in-aged-care
•	Speak Up podcast – Fostering queer diversity in the speech pathology profession S6E21: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/fostering-queer-diversity-in-the-speech-pathology-profession-s06-e21
•	Speak Up podcast – Communication and wellbeing of trans and gender diverse people S5E45: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/communication-and-wellbeing-of-trans-and-gender-diverse-people-s05e45 

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.


Allyship in Action S7E33

In this week’s episode dual-qualified speech pathologist and clinical psychologist, Natalie Manley, speaks about supporting children with co-occurring Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She discusses cognitive and linguistic characteristics of these kids, and strengths-based approaches to motivation and engagement, and behavioural, emotional, and cognitive regulation.

Resources:  
•	Manley, N., Wilder, A. (2025). Clinical accommodations for children with co-occurring Developmental Language Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 10(1), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_PERSP-24-00076 
•	Hancock, N., Redmond, S., Fox, A., Ash, A., Hogan, T. (2025). Word reading and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children with Developmental Language Disorder. AJSLP, 34(3), 1324-1340. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-24-00052 
•	Hannig-Russell, K., Redmond, S. (2025). The Impacts of co-occurring Developmental Language Disorder on the academic, interpersonal, and behavioral profiles of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 10(1), 29-43. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_PERSP-24-00035 
•	Redmond, S., Ash, A., Li, H., Zhang, Y. (2024). Links among Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms and psycholinguistic abilities are different for children with and without Developmental Language Disorder. AJSLP, 33(5), 2344-2363. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_AJSLP-23-00388 
•	DLD Project: DLD & ADHD short course with Natalie Manley: https://thedldproject.com/course/dld-and-adhd/
•	Tuning in to Kids: https://tuningintokids.org.au/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Supporting children with co-occurring DLD and ADHD S7E34

Podcasts from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Learning from the experiences of disabled SLTs (part 1 of 2)

RCSLT Sound Waves

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