It Takes Two: Rethinking Speech with Sarah Oudet

What if speech therapy wasn’t just about the child, but about empowering the parent too? In this episode, I reconnect with Sarah Oudet, a speech therapist, autism researcher, and mother of three, to explore how her professional and personal journeys have come full circle. Years ago, Sarah coached me through a parent-led speech program for my son, Talal. What stayed with me was this: the sessions weren’t really about him, they were about me. We talk about the Hanen program, what “parent-led” actually means, and why coaching the caregiver may be the most effective way to support communication and development, especially in bilingual and neurodivergent families. Sarah also shares her experience raising an autistic son in France, the challenges of navigating diagnosis in a culture that resists labels, and how she’s learned to balance therapeutic strategies with parenting values at home. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder: You’re not on the sidelines. You’re at the center of your child’s growth. Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com for resources on how best to support your neurodivergent child.