20. Understanding ADHD with Olwen Forker from Backchat Speech Pathology
Release Date: 12/14/2021
Beyond Words by Pop Family
Building from last episode , this episode is an essential guide for parents, caregivers, and health professionals who are looking for tools to choose the right speech therapist, ask the right questions, and build a partnership that accelerates progress. Whether you're navigating speech therapy remotely or in person, discover how strengthening relationships, advocating confidently, and tailoring every step to your child's unique needs can transform therapy from a chore into a joyful journey. You’ll learn the essential questions to ask your therapist before and during treatment - like how they...
info_outlineBeyond Words by Pop Family
Is teletherapy worth it for kids? Speech Pathologists Heidi and Lucy break down the frequently asked questions about speech therapy when it comes to keeping children engaged. They explore the critical role of connection in speech therapy, emphasising the importance of collaboration between therapists and parents. This episode discusses how relationships and trust are foundational to successful therapy outcomes and keeping children engaged, the roles of both parents and children in the therapeutic process, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in online speech therapy for...
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Thinking of getting the snip? Heidi dives into the world of tongue ties with Lyndal Thomas, Pop Family's Head of Speech Pathology. Together, they explore their personal and professional journey of understanding and treating tongue ties, highlighting the impact on speech, eating, and overall health. Lyndal shares her own experiences and insights from tongue tie surgery as an adult (aka a lingual frenectomy or tongue-tie release), offering a no-nonsense look at the challenges and triumphs faced by those with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that...
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Heidi and Monique simplify the complexities of speech therapy costs in Australia, exploring various funding sources such as community health services, schools, NDIS, and private therapy options. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding how therapy is billed, the expected costs, and the role of family support in achieving therapy goals. Heidi and Mon also touch on the significance of neuroplasticity in therapy outcomes and the need for realistic expectations regarding the duration and frequency of therapy sessions. RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S SHOW Meet Monique Martino:...
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In this extended cut of "What is Neurodiversity", Heidi interviews Tina Evans, a speech pathologist and clinical lead for neurodiversity at Pop Online Speech Therapy. They discuss Tina's journey into the field, the concept of neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding and advocating for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation covers the evolution of terminology, the significance of empathy in therapy, and the role of communication partners in supporting neurodivergent individuals. They also explore the need for safe spaces in therapy and provide resources for parents navigating...
info_outlineBeyond Words by Pop Family
In this conversation of “What is Neurodiversity”, Heidi interviews Tina Evans, a speech pathologist and clinical lead for neurodiversity at Pop Online Speech Therapy. Heidi asks questions as a mum and they explore the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for parents. They discuss the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and the need for empathy in therapy. The conversation emphasises the significance of building positive relationships with neurodivergent individuals, the role of communication partners, and the necessity of a strength-based approach in therapy. They also...
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Rural stay-at-home mum of 4, Sarah Giltrow joins Heidi Trusler as she shares her harrowing experience of a choking incident involving her daughter and discusses the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in rural and remote areas. She emphasises the need for first aid knowledge and advocates for the LifeVac device as a potential lifesaver. The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness and education regarding choking hazards and the role of devices, like LifeVac, in enhancing safety for children and adults alike. RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S SHOWLifeVac Statistics:...
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In episode 30, Heidi has a conversation with Pop’s Clinical Lead for Language and Literacy, Monique, to explore the complexities of navigating speech therapy funding in Australia. Heidi quizzes Monique on what parents need to know about Medicare and NDIS options. Monique provides her top insights into Medicare’s Chronic Condition Management Plan, the importance of preparation for GP appointments, and the role of advocacy for parents. The discussion emphasises the need for parents to understand their options and prepare effectively to ensure their children receive the necessary support, and...
info_outlineBeyond Words by Pop Family
In Episode 29 of Beyond Words (our first episode of season 2!), Heidi Trusler shares her journey as a mum, a speech pathologist and as the founder of Pop Family, a telehealth speech therapy service. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the challenges she faced in her career, and her passion for empowering mothers with knowledge about child development and communication. The podcast aims to provide insights and support for mothers and caregivers navigating complex health and development decisions for their families. KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 • The podcast aims to empower individuals and...
info_outlineBeyond Words by Pop Family
Bonnie’s journey through Trimester Four is the focus of today’s episode and it is a true testament to her unending strength and resilience! During her pregnancy, Bonnie experienced complications in the form of severe preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hip pain that prevented her from walking more than a few metres. But it was after her son Patrick was born (at 37 weeks and 2.5 kilograms) that the real challenge began. Jaundice, a tongue-tie, and power vomiting characterised the first 6 weeks of Bonnie’s fourth trimester. Listen to the episode to hear Bonnie candidly share stories...
info_outlineHyperactivity, endless energy, incessant speaking, and impulsivity... These are some common signs of classic ADHD in little ones that many of us may recognise.
Today on the Spot Family Podcast we're speaking to Olwen Forker from Backchat Speech Pathology in Brisbane, who's bringing her extensive ADHD expertise to the conversation with a particular focus on awareness around inattentive ADHD markers.
Olwen's three children each have ADHD as part of their neurodevelopmental profile and today she shares her journey as a mother and Speech Pathologist who not only specialises but lives her work with neurodiverse little ones.
Hear all the ways that classic versus inattentive ADHD presents, the various challenges experienced in executive functioning, and how the Backchat clinic works as an invaluable resource for parents, paediatricians, OTs, and GPs.
This episode covers everything you need to know about ADHD, so if you're a parent whose gut instinct is telling you something's up, a therapist or teacher who wants to expand your knowledge, or you are just interested in this increasingly prevalent diagnosis, tune in now!
In this episode, we cover:
- Hear how early diagnosis changes lives
- Olwen shares the ways that inattentive type ADHD presents in kids
- About play-led education and how neurodivergent children have specific educational needs
- The difference between ADHD and the old term ADD
- The need for teachers to be educated about ADHD
- Some examples of exercise-driven routines at schools, for teens and littlies
- How schooling without sensory breaks is contributing to the mental health crisis
- What red flags therapists should look for; behavioral observations outweigh the CELF score
- Why paediatricians, OTs, psychiatrists, and even speechies bring their kids to the clinic!
- Who to go to first if you recognize the signs, and some great questions to ask a therapist
- And so much more!
Links mentioned in today’s episode:
BackChat Speech Pathology on Facebook
BackChat Speech Pathology on Instagram
Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Program
SFP Episode 14: Talk, Read, Play, Succeed with Little Birdie Books
SFP Episode 2: What is Working Memory? With Dr Tracy Packiam Alloway