Wrongly used by most speech therapists, oral-motor therapy uses a variety of exercises to develop awareness, strength, coordination and mobility of the oral muscles. For example it may be used to improve muscle tone of the face or to reduce tongue thrust (the protrusion of the tongue from the mouth). Oral-motor therapy is often used [...]
A few of the common reasons feeding therapy is used is to address behavioral, physiological (difficulty with the function of the structures of the mouth and throat) and structural issues that impact a child’s ability or willingness to eat appropriately. Behavior issues may include things such as food refusals and picky eating. These issues may [...]
The words “disorder” and “delay” are often used interchangeably; however, I prefer to differentiate between the two. An articulation “disorder” is most often more severe and will require therapeutic intervention to correct or improve. On the other hand it is possible, yet not definite, that a child will grow out of an articulation “delay”. When [...]
In general, at least two sessions per week are required for speech, language or feeding therapy. Studies show that more frequent therapy equals more progress faster. In other words more frequent therapy leads to less therapy needed overall. Part of the reason for this is that less regression occurs between sessions. When a child only [...]
Depending on your child’s speech, language or feeding goals the amount of time your child may require therapy will differ greatly. A child with minor articulation errors may require therapy for 6 months to a year while a child with a more severe language disorder may require on-going speech and language therapy for many years. [...]
