The Family Voices Podcast

In this episode, our host Simone Dudley talks with Dr Megan Hosken on raising concerns that families may have about their child’s health and development. Dr Hosken provides tips and insights on ways to support families achieve the outcomes they’re seeking when visiting a general practitioner (GP) and other health professionals. These recommendations will help speed the process of making referrals...

In this episode our host Simone Dudley talks with Lucy about how the experience of living in a rural community shaped her role in supporting her son, Jake. Lucy shares her story of how her family invested in services for Jake and how she is now a key contributor to his and the community’s support needs. Lucy uses the quote, “the strength of the wolf is in the pack” when describing the opportunitie...

In this episode, Melo shares his story about parental agency as he talks with our host, Simone Dudley. Melo stresses never to underestimate the importance of a parent’s influence on their child’s development, as experienced with his own daughter. Listen to Melo as he defines hope as having a goal, believing you can make a difference, and having a pathway to follow. This as well as the benefit that...

In this episode Ciara talks with our host, Simone Dudley, about the importance of building knowledge and finding your voice. Ciara describes how gaining an understanding of  best practice empowered her and her husband to find and advocate for the right supports for their son. This, alongside firsthand experience, led them to establish a peer support group for parents and carers of children on the...

In this episode our host Simone Dudley, talks with Kara about her family and work.  Kara is a mum and researcher from Cincinnati, who studies parenting with disabilities. Kara and her husband are both disabled parents of three children with and without disabilities. Listen to Kara as she shares insights into how her family creates a culture that celebrates disability and how she advocates and buil...

In this episode, we hear from Falak, a mother, wife and research and evaluation manager at Rare Voices Australia (RVA). Falak talks with our host, Simone Dudley about her children, two of whom have rare diseases and how her lived experience has deepened her professional role at RVA. In this conversation, Falak helps to remind us of the importance of trusting our instincts as we continually build o...

In this episode, our host Simone Dudley talks with Cassie (Emily’s mum) about her experience with early supports and pioneering the NDIS. Cassie talks about the need for professionals to recognise the strengths of children and work from these when developing goals with the family. Goals for Cassie and her family needed to reflect the values they held strong for Emily. These included having the sam...

In this episode we are joined again by Leanne (Angus’s mum). This time, Leanne talks with our host Simone Dudley about her personal story of being identified 10 years after her son as autistic and ADHD. Leanne describes how the process of being identified has really helped with understanding herself and with the way she supports her son. Download the transcript  here >> www.eciavic.org.au

In this episode, our host Simone Dudley talks with Leanne about what life was like living in an extremely remote location in Australia, while navigating therapy supports and education for her son, Angus. In this remarkable story, hear how Leanne made the most of her family’s circumstance while achieving Angus’s goals through telehealth and home education. Download the transcript here >> www....

In this episode, our host Trish McIvor talks with Dee, Emma's mum and co-founder of Little Stroke Warriors Australia. Dee shares her story about co-founding Little Stroke Warriors after Emma was diagnosed as having a stroke while in utero. Dee talks about how her own experience has forged the need for improved resources and treatment of paediatric childhood stroke and how this is coming to fruitio...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Penny (Al’s mum). Penny shares her insights and wisdom about being an advocate and how this has shaped an incredible path for Al. Being an advocate and accessing support can be a powerful influence in children’s wellbeing, inclusion, participation and contribution to family and community life. We hope you enjoy this inspiring story. In this episod...

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks with Maya (Lloyd's mum) about her experience of being a young mum of a child with a disability and the importance of being heard. Maya talks about the need for professionals to assume competence of parents. This phrase fits so well with the principles outlined in the National Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Guidelines. The guidelines highlight concep...

In the second part of a two-part series on family wellbeing, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Fiona about her own wellbeing. Fiona talks about the importance of family, friends, and professionals in forming a network of support and the value of sharing with each other. These, as well as a strong partnership with her husband, played a significant role in Fiona’s personal health and happiness. Down...

In the first part of a two-part series, Fiona talks about her whole family’s wellbeing. As a mother of four children, two diagnosed with autism, Fiona talks about the role of early information and education, parent support groups and the importance of trusting relationships. Fiona highlights the enormous role that community connections played in the wellbeing of all members of her family. Download...

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks with Sarah (Ben's mum) about their journey with Autism. Sarah described a thorough assessment for Ben which led to a diagnosis of autism and global developmental delay. She describes how the diagnosis gave the family a way forward and the help they needed at that time. If you're concerned about your child's development, talk with someone you trust, like your ma...

is a special edition of The Family Voices Podcast. Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS, has partnered with the Department of Health to share key messages with you about COVID safe behaviours and up-to-date vaccine information. This episode has been recorded on 15 December 2022. It's important to remember that advice may change, and you can keep in touch with COVID information through th...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Jason (Jude’s dad). Jason talks about the importance of being open when there are concerns about the development of children and how this leads to getting the supports needed. Jason talks about how he and his wife, Jess have guided the process of forming a team around Jude and the important role of his family and friends being central to this. Hea...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Ruth and Collin. Ruth and Collin share their experience in the early years and how best practice achieved best outcomes for their daughter. Ruth and Collin talk about the work of their key worker and having seasons of support. They also share a heartfelt account of what this meant to them, and how best practice has shaped their lives.   Download t...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Pam. Pam's perspective about being a grandmother and her changing role in the family really reflects what we know from research about the practical and emotional support grandparents can provide when there's a child with a disability or development delay in the family. But also, her reliable information and great communication in the family helps...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Kate (Bridget's mum). Kate has a clear long-term vision about Bridget reaching her potential which includes having meaningful work, having friends, and living independently. Kate talks us through how she double checks that every decision they make to support Bridget is in line with their vision. And of course, Bridget has dreams and aspirations of...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Lisa (Sean's mum). Putting friendships at the top of the list among the busyness of family life, Lisa shares practical strategies with us like using structure and shared interests, and also what she called sealing the deal, not leaving opportunities to chance. She acknowledged that this took perseverance and even courage at times, but we found her...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Kate Strohm from Siblings Australia. Kate discusses the complex and ever-changing relationships between siblings, including added complexities when one sibling has a disability. She shares ways practical ways parents can help children feel listened to and understood, and thoughts about how parents can help build strong relationships between siblin...

In this episode, our host Dr Kerry Bull talks with Stacey (Alex's mum). Stacey paints a vivid picture of her two very different experiences with early childhood intervention programs, describing the paths her family has travelled and the different approaches along the way. Stacey uses words and phrases like 'family-centered', 'embedded learning in daily routine', 'natural opportunities for learnin...

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks to Sam about her growing confidence in navigating systems. Sam also talks about her increasing sense of agency in terms of developing the ability to make good choices and being empowered or energised to take action, to achieve the results her family needs. Sam speaks so strongly about the choices she makes, and how her choices change over time to meet her son's...

In this episode, Dr Kerry Bull talks with Debbie about the expectations others had of her. As an infant, the prevailing thoughts at the time focussed on what was seen as her deficits, anticipation that she would be unable to walk, talk, and learn, and be part of family and community life. But her family had other ideas. So did a teacher who gave her the opportunity for an education alongside her s...