Let's Talk Small Talk

Libby interviews Rishi Kaushal who has created "The Speech Heroes" to empower children with speech and language delays, inspired by his son Aryan's journey. Following a diagnosis, Rishi used music (song "Speech Bound") and authored the book The Speech Heroes vs. The Word Stoppers (released Feb 2026) to help children find their voice. They talk about what led to this and his personal journey. His book is proving very popular with both children and their parents https://amzn.eu/d/00VKcx53
To find out more https://www.thespeechheroes.com/about

The podcast episode focuses on the intersection of autism and OCD, featuring the amazing speaker Dean Beadle sharing his personal experiences and insights. Dean explained how OCD manifests differently in autistic individuals, emphasising the distinction between autistic rituals and OCD compulsions. He describes his own struggles with OCD, including recent flare-ups triggered by life changes, and shares coping strategies such as acknowledging intrusive thoughts without giving them credence. Dean also highlights the importance of support and validation for individuals experiencing OCD, particularly young people who may feel isolated.  https://www.facebook.com/dean.beadlespeaker/directory_contact_info
https://www.youtube.com/@DeanBeadleuk
https://www.instagram.com/deanbeadlespeaker?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Hallie Sherman, M.S. CCC-SLP has worked with older students for many years.  She has a practical, pragmatic approach to her work to make sure her therapy is effective. She prioritises using students' interests in order to keep them engaged and making progress.  She has made lots of resources to help SLT/SLPs save time and energy. 
Her book came out in November, which is great 'The Secondary SLP Roadmap: Motivating Students to Crush their Speech and Language Goals.' 
Libby and Hallie discuss why it is so important to support older students in this month's episode.
Contact details and link to buy the book:
https://speechtimefun.com/
https://amzn.eu/d/0eXsPhW

Libby Interviews Ruth Rowntree, Speech and Language Therapist and Founder of Speech Apraxia UK dedicated to information, advocacy and support for individuals with Speech Apraxia. https://speechapraxia.co.uk/
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is the new term which was previously known as verbal dyspraxia in the UK but Ruth is keen that all types of apraxia is supported.
Speech Apraxia UK are a growing, internationally recognised leading non-commercial community organisation which reaches 85+ countries across their website and social media network to raise awareness worldwide. They support those with apraxia of speech, whether childhood, acquired, or primary progressive.

Services they offer-
Advice from a team of specialists
Resource Hub
Comprehensive information on therapies and diagnoses
Showcase research and recruit participants/collaborators
Parent/Carer network
Events/training
Newsletter
Therapy App reviews
Extensive resource gallery.
You can become a member, free of cha.rge  Use this link https://forms.office.com/r/6t0msV1w9z

"Did you know that some children talk freely at home but can’t get a single word out at school?  It’s not stubbornness, and it’s not shyness — it’s something called selective mutism, an anxiety condition that literally freezes a child’s ability to speak.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Talk, we dive into the most common questions parents and teachers ask.
What causes selective mutism?
How can you tell the difference between being quiet and having SM?
And most importantly — what actually helps, and what makes it worse?
If you’ve ever wondered how to support a child with selective mutism — or you just want to understand it better — this episode is for you.
Libby's book is on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/dRlx2Fp