Conversations with Olwen

BIG clinics. I'm not happy with them. Because it's all about KPIs and money. It's not about the outcomes for children or for the families.   And more and more young Therapists are speaking out. And they are not happy. They don't have quality of life. And it's about EXPERIENCE.   They are just not being equipped to work with the little ones presenting in their clinics. But it goes deeper than that....

This is a wonderful story detailing one little one's journey at the BackChat Clinic. Brain development takes time, and early intervention is a journey. In some cases, a very long one.   Miss A has worked incredibly hard to be where she is now. Where she was always meant to be. As has her Mum. It is a team effort.  A beautiful story from one little BackChatter; it's a story of grit, determination a...

Olwen starts to discuss solutions in this episode, and discusses the ‘Icelandic Solution’ implemented in the 1970’s. Backed by the latest neuroscience, this solution is genius as it encompasses the ‘whole’ brain and the ‘whole’ child; something Olwen is passionate about. Her clinical work is not ‘just’ about speech therapy, but about gaining better outcomes through connection, relationships, chang...

Olwen delves deeper into the neuroscience behind our little one’s development and how modern society including screen time and the cost-of-living crisis, is directly affecting their brain function. Especially for our little boys. And how the NDIS has monetised children’s outcomes in this country, making it better ‘not’ to build function. Olwen also reflects on day to day activities – the movies ch...

Working with little boys is 95% of Olwen's clinical work and in this bite she describes a day in her life.   She describes her unique 'twist' in therapy sessions, and how she uses the latest neuroscience research clinically, to focus on that 'whole' brain and 'whole' child in her approach.   Recorded and produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠ podcast studio in Brisbane

Olwen shares an interesting story from her own house, as her 10 year old son summed up perfectly, the issues with our sedentary school day here in Australia.   Especially IF it's a "wet weather day". Its impact on busy little people and how they feel, should not be underestimated.   Recorded and produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠ podcast studio in Brisbane

It's a very tricky part of the spectrum. Often misdiagnosed as ADHD but experienced Therapists and Teachers really 'get' these little ones.    Here on the first BackChat Bite for Series 2, Olwen discusses this profile of little ones, in depth.   Recorded and produced at ⁠The Podcast Boss⁠ ⁠ podcast studio in Brisbane

Olwen is a well-known Speech Pathologist and Mum of three boys. She has 27 years clinical experience in the paediatric field and Olwen is a huge advocate for improving outcomes for children in Australia. This episode revisits earlier concepts introduced but also adds new information - layering new facts and research – while consolidating Series One. And Olwen’s insights and reflections go a step d...

In this episode, Olwen shares her TOP 8 tips for what she would do NOW here in Queensland, to address the rising levels of disadvantage, illiteracy levels and behavioural issues in schools. And her answer is not more Speech Pathologists.

“A mile wide” is a phrase Olwen hears often about the school curriculum. She takes it one step further in this BackChat Bite, to discuss how a Cost of Living crisis - with both parents now working - has impacted on our children, especially disadvantaged little ones, to such a degree that it is causing huge illiteracy and other learning delays.

Another wonderful Mum from the BackChat Village – Carly, shares her story – about her little guy and his struggles. Diagnosed initially with a Global Developmental Delay, this Mum and Teacher knew in her gut that something else was going on! Produced by The Podcast Boss

Teachers are the backbone of our society. They care for our children daily, and the expectations placed upon them, are becoming more complex and excessive with every year. In this bite, Olwen tackles this issue head-on with a highly experienced Teacher. Produced by The Podcast Boss

The universal healthcare system in Australia aka NDIS, has provided many families with loads of funds to access Therapy and Therapists. But a system is only as strong as the clinical experience of the people working within it. Produced by The Podcast Boss

If there is one thing Olwen ‘gets’ it’s that some children cannot do well when they can. They need some Specialist level help, to get to the ‘when.’ In a career spanning over two decades – and as a Mum - Olwen has stayed across advances in Neuroscience, Psychology and Child Development, and now works closely with Specialists to help guide & to support families with Neurodivergent children, see...

Working Memory. It is not an area we touch on nor discuss. But we need to. Desperately. Particularly with our boys. With literacy rates dropping nationwide, a reduction in play and increase in screen time, this area is of huge concern to Olwen. Produced by The Podcast Boss

It is one of those tricky conversations, but as a Mum of three boys, Olwen shares how boys change during these ‘testing times’ of development. A great bite for every boy Mum, or Mum who is concerned about her little one’s personality and how it may alter with age.  And Testosterone. Produced by The Podcast Boss

Social media and the news are FULL of violence against women stories. Well, let me share some stories, from a paediatric clinic of the struggles Mums experience, in getting help for their dysregulated little boys. Produced by The Podcast Boss

The introduction of a universal health care system AKA NDIS has monetised early intervention in this country and many vulnerable families fall prey to many unscrupulous providers. But what about people who are ‘rorting’ the system? Olwen shares a few stories she’s heard in this bite.   Produced by The Podcast Boss

Another wonderful Mum from the BackChat Village – Carly, shares her story – about her little guy and his struggles. Diagnosed initially with a Global Developmental Delay, this Mum and Teacher knew in her gut that something else was going on! Produced by The Podcast Boss

Sharing our stories to help struggling Mum with hers, is what we are all about within at The BackChat Clinic. Today Cathy – one of our AMAZING Mums – is going to share her story in the hope, that it helps someone else. Produced by The Podcast Boss

Olwen’s favourite piece of advice kicks off the BackChat Bites. For any Mum second guessing themselves right now, this one is for you. Produced by The Podcast Boss

The BackChat ‘Mumma’ Village, is by far the best part of our clinic.   We are a group of empathetic, educated, empowered Mums who will stop at nothing to help our own child – and to support and be there – for another Mum on the journey.   In this episode, we hear from Mums talk about everything; from their grief, the effort that goes in everyday to supporting their child and how crucial it is to h...

Olwen describes two very parallel lives - lived by two little boys - William and Billy.    Two young boys that are neurologically the same, typical busy boys, but their home life and early experiences, has a critical difference on their whole of life outcomes. One child could be described as a ‘have’ while the other could be described as a ‘have not.’   And with a twist, that must be heard to be b...

Our children are more sedentary and have less life experiences than ever before. Less movement and experiences, less play, more screen time and more sitting down.   Olwen explores this from a brain development perspective, based on her clinical and her own personal journey with one of her sons. And how a very wise Paediatrician explained to her, the importance of play.   Produced by The Podcast Bo...

The most topical theme in the media at present, is Screen Time in our children.  Olwen controversially tackles it head on, discussing its impact on our children from her perspective as a Mum and paediatric Therapist, that’s worked with kids well before, the introduction of ‘smart phones’ almost two decades ago. Produced by The Podcast Boss